Chicago business licenses hit lowest level since pandemic
Chicago business licenses hit lowest level since pandemic
Only the pandemic hurt Chicago business starts and sustainability more during the past decade. Maybe Mayor Brandon Johnson should stop treating businesses like the enemy?
By Patrick Andriesen
Only 6 of 15 Illinois metro areas gained jobs in October
Only 6 of 15 Illinois metro areas gained jobs in October
New data shows only six of 15 Illinois metropolitan areas added jobs in October as the state shed 2,400 jobs. Twelve metro areas reported higher unemployment than the national average.
By Patrick Andriesen
1,400% property tax hikes in Montgomery County on hold
1,400% property tax hikes in Montgomery County on hold
Montgomery County notified some residents they will not be facing 1,400% property tax hikes as originally planned. The sticker shock stemmed from a 2007 law.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s eventual pension payout could exceed $5M
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s eventual pension payout could exceed $5M
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pensions are worth an estimated $3.8 million after only four years as a teacher and one term as mayor. It could go even higher, depending on his next job moves.
By Bryce Hill
Illinois in top 10 states for cigarette smuggling
Illinois in top 10 states for cigarette smuggling
High cigarette taxes give Illinoisans a financial reason to sneak in smokes from other states. Illinois is among the 10 states with the most smuggling.
By Dylan Sharkey
Thank a small business on Saturday: they’ve generated all Illinois’ job growth
Thank a small business on Saturday: they’ve generated all Illinois’ job growth
Small Business Saturday offers a reason to be extra thankful: businesses with fewer than 20 employees have been the only ones to grow payrolls since COVID-19 hit.
By Bryce Hill
‘Inclusionary zoning’ excludes Chicago’s poor from housing
‘Inclusionary zoning’ excludes Chicago’s poor from housing
They call it “inclusionary zoning,” but in reality the government mandate for a portion of developments to be “affordable” limits supply and drives up costs. Chicago should pull back from this form of rent control.
By LyLena Estabine
Chicago mayor refuses to stop pushing $300M in tax hikes
Chicago mayor refuses to stop pushing $300M in tax hikes
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wanted a $300 million property tax hike for his big budget. All 50 aldermen said “no.” So then he asked for $150 million and a 35% tax on liquor. Johnson fails to admit it’s not about taxes, it’s about making changes.
By Matheus Cosso
Suburban Chicago mayor calls for pension reform
Suburban Chicago mayor calls for pension reform
Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson said state lawmakers need to step in and help fix public pensions. Pension debt is the biggest driver of Illinois’ property taxes, which are the second-highest in the nation.
By Dylan Sharkey
American Federation of Teachers spends little on teachers, lots on staff
American Federation of Teachers spends little on teachers, lots on staff
The American Federation of Teachers’ recent federal filing showed just 36% of the national union’s spending was on representing teachers. More than two-thirds of its own employees made six-figure salaries.
By Mailee Smith
New Cook County prosecutor faces challenges to fix Kim Foxx legacy
New Cook County prosecutor faces challenges to fix Kim Foxx legacy
A new Cook County state’s attorney inherits crime problems aggravated by her predecessor, Kim Foxx. Eileen O’Neill Burke seems ready to fight crime without abandoning efforts to be fair to minority defendants. Here’s what she should do.
By Chris Coffey
Illinois Education Association continues to lose members, underfund Job No. 1
Illinois Education Association continues to lose members, underfund Job No. 1
The Illinois Education Association is the largest statewide teachers union in Illinois. But less than 15% of its in spending in 2024 was on representing its members – which could be why nearly 5,000 education employees have left the union.
By Mailee Smith
19 of 20 schools touted by Chicago Teachers Union see reading lag in 2024
19 of 20 schools touted by Chicago Teachers Union see reading lag in 2024
The Chicago Teachers Union is pushing to expand the 20 “sustainable community schools” in the district. But the model doesn’t work: fewer students are proficient, absenteeism is higher.
By Hannah Schmid