Forgotten Illinois: Aurora
Forgotten Illinois: Aurora
Two sides, one city.
Chicago Public Schools CEO resigns following ethics investigation
Chicago Public Schools CEO resigns following ethics investigation
Forrest Claypool will step down as the head of Chicago Public Schools after the CPS inspector general recommended his firing.
Investigation: Madigan firm the biggest player in commercial property tax appeals
Investigation: Madigan firm the biggest player in commercial property tax appeals
A new investigation by the Chicago Tribune and ProPublica Illinois reveals the mismanagement of the Cook County property tax system, and the politically connected firms who profit from it.
Elgin residents facing multitude of tax and fee hikes
Elgin residents facing multitude of tax and fee hikes
A 2018 budget proposal for Elgin includes a new gas tax, an increase in water and sewer rates, and other tax hikes.
Belleville to consider $1.2 million property tax hike
Belleville to consider $1.2 million property tax hike
The city’s property tax levy would increase by nearly 12 percent, with most of the funding going toward police and fire pensions.
NIU Board of Trustees unanimously approves $600,000 severance for former president
NIU Board of Trustees unanimously approves $600,000 severance for former president
The Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees approved an expensive severance package for former university President Doug Baker, despite the scandal ending his tenure.
It’s Illinois’ birthday! Hey, wait … come back
It’s Illinois’ birthday! Hey, wait … come back
Illinois’ exodus of people and money is the state’s most pressing policy problem. Until lawmakers get serious about addressing its causes, there’s little reason to think the trend will change.
Building fairness and opportunity: The effects of repealing Illinois’ prevailing wage law
Building fairness and opportunity: The effects of repealing Illinois’ prevailing wage law
Illinois’ Prevailing Wage Act has no place in the 21st century. Policymakers should enact fair and competitive construction laws that give all individuals who are willing to work a fighting chance.
Madigan pickpocket
Madigan pickpocket
Decatur passes budget out of balance by $3 million
Decatur passes budget out of balance by $3 million
As its population and tax base erode, the city of Decatur passed a budget for fiscal year 2018 more than $3 million in the red.
Chicago’s distracted business
Chicago’s distracted business
Chicago loses Mars Wrigley US candy headquarters bid to New Jersey, takes 200 jobs with it
Chicago loses Mars Wrigley US candy headquarters bid to New Jersey, takes 200 jobs with it
A year after announcing the Mars Wrigley Confectionery project, the candy giant will scrap its plans to expand its Chicago presence and instead encamp in Newark, New Jersey.
NIU board to vote on $600,000 severance package for former president
NIU board to vote on $600,000 severance package for former president
The Board of Trustees at Northern Illinois University granted a $600,000 severance package to outgoing university President Doug Baker, who resigned following a state investigation into his management of the university. But after a court struck down that agreement, the board is set to vote again.
Danville passes property tax and fee hikes to pay for pensions
Danville passes property tax and fee hikes to pay for pensions
Owners of Danville property will pay fees of up to $1,020 a year just for local pensions, on top of rising property tax bills.