Why an Illinois home costs almost $100,000 more than it did before COVID
Why an Illinois home costs almost $100,000 more than it did before COVID
The state’s housing prices soar as its supply of homes for sale remains far behind the nation’s.
Chicago Teachers Union likes Brandon Johnson’s tax on sites like LinkedIn, TikTok
Chicago Teachers Union likes Brandon Johnson’s tax on sites like LinkedIn, TikTok
The social media tax in the city’s 2026 budget already faces a lawsuit.
Illinois teacher pensions 7th-worst funded in U.S.
Illinois teacher pensions 7th-worst funded in U.S.
Despite record high contributions from the state, the Teachers’ Retirement System has less than 50 cents on hand for every dollar owed.
Dumb Tax Policy
Dumb Tax Policy
Stop the Toll Hike
Stop the Toll Hike
Illinois drivers already pay some of the highest taxes and fees in the country.
Illinois’ per-pupil spending 7th-highest in U.S., but outcomes shaky
Illinois’ per-pupil spending 7th-highest in U.S., but outcomes shaky
Spending was $25,000 per student in 2022-23, almost $5,000 above the national average.
Tollway board could approve largest passenger hike in state history, automatic increases with one vote
Tollway board could approve largest passenger hike in state history, automatic increases with one vote
The proposal would raise tolls Jan. 1, with inflation-linked increases every two years after that.
Illinois lawmakers finally pass bill to end home equity theft
Illinois lawmakers finally pass bill to end home equity theft
The state finally passed legislation to comply with a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the government may not keep surplus equity when property is sold for unpaid taxes.
Pritzker doubled your gas tax and is sitting on the money
Pritzker doubled your gas tax and is sitting on the money
The law promised major infrastructure improvements, but the state’s roads aren’t in any better shape than when it took effect seven years ago.
Pastor Dollie Sherman: Building Community One Block at a Time
Pastor Dollie Sherman: Building Community One Block at a Time
From transforming a couple vacant lots into thriving gardens to connecting residents with jobs, Pastor Dollie Sherman has spent decades proving that lasting change starts on the block.
Fighting poverty with employment: Chicago block clubs
Fighting poverty with employment: Chicago block clubs
Leaders of these organizations on the South and West sides connect residents to jobs and engage youth to build safer neighborhoods.
Illinois allows lawmaker conflicts of interest
Illinois allows lawmaker conflicts of interest
The indictment of state Rep. Carol Ammons is a reminder that Illinois still relies on the honor system in conflicts of interest.
Paul Vallas: Making the SAFE-T Act safe
Paul Vallas: Making the SAFE-T Act safe
The well-intentioned law must be adjusted to deny pretrial release to repeat violent offenders and those suspected of violent crimes.
CPS proposes cuts after adding positions that enrollment, finances couldn’t justify
CPS proposes cuts after adding positions that enrollment, finances couldn’t justify
Chicago Public Schools followed Chicago Teachers Union’s staffing-first approach. Now the district faces cuts.