Everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Illinois

By Brad Weisenstein

01/08/2021

This page will be updated daily to reflect developments related to the spread of COVID-19 in Illinois.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, IDPH: Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois, JB Pritzker, Lori Lightfoot

Chicago drivers to see third gas tax increase in 18 months

12/15/2020

Chicago leaders are using another gas tax hike to help fill a budget hole driven by pensions. Total gas taxes and fees are closing in on $1 per gallon.

TAGS: Chicago, gas tax, Lori Lightfoot

Gas tax, property tax, ticket and fee hikes all part of Lightfoot budget

12/04/2020

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is trying to raise revenue to close large revenue gaps partially brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

TAGS: budget, Chicago, gas tax, Lori Lightfoot, property tax, property taxes

Chicago taxpayers on the hook for extra $2 billion under Lightfoot plan

11/21/2020

Lightfoot’s budget depends on borrowing and property tax hikes.

TAGS: borrowing, Chicago, debt, Lori Lightfoot, property taxes

Lightfoot budget includes automatic property tax hikes, gas tax hike

By Adam Schuster

10/22/2020

A typical Chicago homeowner faces up to $255 in potential property tax increases to cover city and school deficits. City income taxes could be next, if the ‘fair tax’ were to pass.

TAGS: budget, Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, property taxes

Lightfoot proposes ban on booking single-night rentals

08/31/2020

Amid a pandemic and civil unrest, Chicago’s mayor chooses to crack down on parties.

TAGS: Airbnb, homesharing, Lori Lightfoot, regulations

To reform policing, Illinois must rehabilitate its errant labor laws

By Vincent Caruso

07/28/2020

A police union contract that protects deviant officers while muzzling those who wish to serve honorably is one set up to fail the public.

TAGS: government unions, Lori Lightfoot, police brutality, police misconduct

COVID-19 rules apply to all Illinoisans, with exceptions for some political figures

By Brad Weisenstein

05/07/2020

Some of those leading Illinois’ response to COVID-19, or those close to them, have not exactly been following the rules about staying home and social distancing.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, executive order, JB Pritzker, Lori Lightfoot

Chicago needs a ‘wartime budget’ to face the COVID-19 crisis

By Adam Schuster

04/28/2020

City leaders must prioritize critical spending – and avoid hiking taxes on a struggling economy.

TAGS: Chicago, coronavirus, COVID-19, credit rating, emergency, Lori Lightfoot, pensions

Chicago mayor halts fines, fees for minor traffic tickets amid coronavirus pandemic

By Vincent Caruso

03/20/2020

The city of Chicago has temporarily relaxed its controversial ticketing and towing scheme, as residents face worsening financial uncertainty in the midst of a global public health crisis.

TAGS: booting, Chicago, coronavirus, COVID-19, Lori Lightfoot, parking violations, towing

Lori Lightfoot

Everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Illinois

Chicago drivers to see third gas tax increase in 18 months

Gas tax, property tax, ticket and fee hikes all part of Lightfoot budget

Chicago taxpayers on the hook for extra $2 billion under Lightfoot plan

Lightfoot budget includes automatic property tax hikes, gas tax hike

Lightfoot proposes ban on booking single-night rentals

To reform policing, Illinois must rehabilitate its errant labor laws

COVID-19 rules apply to all Illinoisans, with exceptions for some political figures

Chicago needs a ‘wartime budget’ to face the COVID-19 crisis

Chicago mayor halts fines, fees for minor traffic tickets amid coronavirus pandemic

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students