Poll: Most Illinois voters support opting into scholarship program
Poll: Most Illinois voters support opting into scholarship program
Nearly 55% of Illinois voters support the state opting into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program. But it’s up to Gov. J.B. Pritzker to opt Illinois into the program. More voters supported than opposed it across all ages, regions, races and ideologies.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois lawmakers considering statewide bag tax
Illinois lawmakers considering statewide bag tax
Illinoisans would pay a new bag tax under a proposed bill in Springfield. The tax would only deepen concerns that the state keeps increasing the cost burden.
By Benjamin Hines
Pritzker proposes reducing burdensome housing regulations
Pritzker proposes reducing burdensome housing regulations
The state needs to add 227,000 homes by 2030 to meet demand
By Josh Bandoch
Springfield proposals pushing income tax plan voters already rejected
Springfield proposals pushing income tax plan voters already rejected
Illinois voters rejected a graduated income tax in 2020. State politicians are trying again.
By Bryce Hill
Housing shortage drives up Illinois prices 49%
Housing shortage drives up Illinois prices 49%
The state’s home prices are up 49% since 2019, while available housing lags the rest of the nation.
By LyLena Estabine
Voters had no choice in nearly 9-in-10 primary elections
Voters had no choice in nearly 9-in-10 primary elections
Illinois voting data shows voters had no choice of candidate in nearly 9-in-10 Democratic and Republican primaries for state and federal office in 2024.
By Patrick Andriesen
7 things to know about Illinois data centers
7 things to know about Illinois data centers
The state’s data center boom is reshaping energy, water use and taxes. Here’s what residents should know about the costs, jobs and incentives involved.
By Brennan Park
Lawmaker files anti-student bill right after getting CTU money
Lawmaker files anti-student bill right after getting CTU money
The bill is based on misinformation and bucks both national trends and public support for a federal program providing donated money to students.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois top 10 for highest in-state tuition, new bill to find out why
Illinois top 10 for highest in-state tuition, new bill to find out why
A new bill in Springfield would provide a roadmap to make higher education more affordable and competitive.
By Patrick Andriesen
Chicago only big city where mayor presides over City Council and has veto power
Chicago only big city where mayor presides over City Council and has veto power
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is a national outlier in the power he has compared to mayors in other big cities.
By Gerrin Alexander
More than 167,000 Chicagoans lived on $21 or less a day
More than 167,000 Chicagoans lived on $21 or less a day
About 17% of Chicagoans lived below the poverty line in 2024, with more than a third of them surviving on less than $21 a day.
By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko
New bill could help Illinois’ housing gap with granny flats statewide
New bill could help Illinois’ housing gap with granny flats statewide
A measure in Springfield would expand permission to build accessory dwelling units to every municipality in the state.
By Patrick Andriesen
New bill would block scholarship money for students
New bill would block scholarship money for students
Illinois lawmakers have introduced a bill that would prohibit Illinois students from receiving private funds for tutoring and other academic needs – even though it would cost the state nothing.
By Lilly Rossi