Illinois police pensions lock up local property taxes
Illinois police pensions lock up local property taxes
Across Illinois, police pensions are taking an ever-greater share of property tax dollars, leaving fewer resources for public safety.
Small lots lower Illinois housing prices, even for big homes
Small lots lower Illinois housing prices, even for big homes
A Lombard housing project shows how smaller lots can lower costs, boost development and help Illinois address its housing shortage.
Taxpayers pay $23.6M for Chicago Public Schools vacations
Taxpayers pay $23.6M for Chicago Public Schools vacations
Chicago Public Schools employees spent $23.6 million in tax dollars on lavish vacations at 5-star hotels and overseas trips. Much of it was without approval.
Chicago business activity drops for 23rd straight month
Chicago business activity drops for 23rd straight month
A barometer of business health shows Chicago is close to marking two years of decline. The city’s employment rate lags the nation.
Riverwalk eatery gone thanks to murky Chicago rules
Riverwalk eatery gone thanks to murky Chicago rules
Restaurants and bars bid to be along Chicago’s Riverwalk, so why a proven business with a lucrative offer was booted is a mystery wrapped up in a secretive city panel.
Illinois firefighter pensions torch local finances
Illinois firefighter pensions torch local finances
In Lake County and across Illinois, fire pensions are driving up property taxes and leaving fewer resources for safety.
Pritzker: A drag on Illinois’ tax competitiveness
Pritzker: A drag on Illinois’ tax competitiveness
Anti-Trump bluster hides Illinois vulnerability to federal control
Anti-Trump bluster hides Illinois vulnerability to federal control
A new report finds Illinois lacks protection from federal overreach, with few safeguards to limit funding and mandates.
Housing gets boost by easing parking lot mandates near transit
Housing gets boost by easing parking lot mandates near transit
The Illinois General Assembly just eliminated parking minimums for developments near transit hubs. That flexibility should boost housing.
Chicago Teachers Union lobby day costs taxpayers up to $19.3K
Chicago Teachers Union lobby day costs taxpayers up to $19.3K
More than 100 teachers left struggling students, cost taxpayers as much as $19,300 for Chicago Teachers Union “lobby day.”
American Federation of Teachers place politics, leader priorities over members
American Federation of Teachers place politics, leader priorities over members
Union accounting shows just 36% of its spending was on representing teachers in 2025, while it spent more than $41 million on politics.
Scores down, absences up for Chicago low-income, minority students
Scores down, absences up for Chicago low-income, minority students
Chicago Public Schools’ low-income and minority students recorded lower proficiency rates than the state average. They are also missing more school.
Over 2-in-5 Chicago teachers chronically absent
Over 2-in-5 Chicago teachers chronically absent
Last year, 43% of Chicago Public Schools teachers missed 10 or more school days. Statewide, it was 34%.
Pritzker boosts lawsuit rights for outsiders, limits Illinoisans
Pritzker boosts lawsuit rights for outsiders, limits Illinoisans
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker made it harder for Illinoisans to sue the state but just made it easier for outsiders to sue businesses here.