Do Opportunity Zones lift up lower-income residents?
Do Opportunity Zones lift up lower-income residents?
The evidence shows the program attracts money and erects buildings more reliably than it lifts the people already living there, and it’s performed especially unimpressively in Illinois.
By Orphe Divounguy
Which judges are up for retention in Cook County?
Which judges are up for retention in Cook County?
Sixty judges are up for retention in Cook County. They each need 60% of the vote to remain in office.
By Joe Tabor
Illinois ranks No. 1 in pumpkin production, fueling Halloween nationwide
Illinois ranks No. 1 in pumpkin production, fueling Halloween nationwide
The state’s farmers grew enough in 2025 to theoretically make 284 million pumpkin pies.
By Dylan Sharkey
Over 50 tax questions on ballots in Illinois
Over 50 tax questions on ballots in Illinois
Voters will see at least 51 binding referenda on taxes or bond issues in local governments across the state.
By Joe Tabor, Pragya Mishra
Different permit rules in different wards for Halloween block parties in Chicago
Different permit rules in different wards for Halloween block parties in Chicago
Requirements to close streets for trick-or-treating can vary across wards.
By Lilly Rossi
A look at Halloween trick-or-treat times in Illinois
A look at Halloween trick-or-treat times in Illinois
Halloween trick-or-treat hours across Illinois vary, but generally fall during the dinner hour.
By Todd J. Behme
Not even 19% of CTU spending in 2026 went to teacher representation
Not even 19% of CTU spending in 2026 went to teacher representation
The Chicago Teachers Union spent more money running itself than on representing its members.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois Federation of Teachers takes position on 132 bills, gets its way on 53
Illinois Federation of Teachers takes position on 132 bills, gets its way on 53
During the 104th Illinois General Assembly, IFT got its way on 40% of bills it lobbied on.
By Lilly Rossi
Evanston proposes property tax hike, higher fees
Evanston proposes property tax hike, higher fees
Residents would face a host of increased costs under the city’s proposed 2027 budget.
By Lilly Rossi
Paul Vallas: Chicagoans will pay for Brandon Johnson’s ‘tax the rich’ agenda
Paul Vallas: Chicagoans will pay for Brandon Johnson’s ‘tax the rich’ agenda
Residents would face higher taxes and fees under his proposed budget.
By Paul Vallas
LaSalle County board votes to end private tax sales
LaSalle County board votes to end private tax sales
The county also estimates it could be liable for as much as $4 million in surplus equity owed to former owners who lost their properties.
By DaNae Estabine
Johnson proposes record budget for Chicago with $427 million in higher taxes and fees and $231 million in one-time revenues
Johnson proposes record budget for Chicago with $427 million in higher taxes and fees and $231 million in one-time revenues
The $17.6 billion proposal relies primarily on hikes to close a projected $882.4 million Corporate Fund deficit.
By Bryce Hill