Gas, FanDuel, Zyn, AT&T, VRBO: 5 new taxes hitting Illinoisans July 1

By Charlotte Rotkis

06/30/2025

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a $55.2 billion budget propped up by five new tax hikes starting July 1. Gas, phone bills, tobacco, sportsbooks and rentals such as VRBO will all come with higher taxes in Illinois.

Inside Illinois’ 2026 budget: spend now, squeeze more, solve later

By Ravi Mishra, Lauren Zuar

06/06/2025

State lawmakers built Illinois’ record $55.2 billion budget for 2026 on gimmicks, one-time fixes and piecemeal tax hikes. They left pension debt, transit cliffs and real reform for another day.

Illinois adds $394M in taxes on Airbnb, Velo, DraftKings as it yanks property tax break

By Patrick Andriesen

06/05/2025

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s record $55.2 billion budget relies on Illinoisans paying over $394 million in new or higher taxes on sports bets, tobacco, short-term rentals and more. At the same time, he’s set to take away a property tax break.

Chicago is only big city where mayor gets to fill city council vacancies

By Austin Berg, Gerrin Alexander

03/26/2025

Of the 15 largest cities, only Chicago lets its mayor fill vacancies on the city council. Mayor Brandon Johnson is about to exercise that long Chicago tradition by filling a vacancy he created.

Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families  

By Josh Bandoch, Joe Tabor

07/09/2024

Published July 9, 2024 America is facing a housing affordability crisis. According to a 2022 survey, 73% of Americans said the average person could not afford a home in their area, and 69% were worried about their children and grandchildren being able to afford a home. That’s unfair. Everyone deserves a good roof over their...

Chicago Teachers Union contract could cost at least $10.2B to $13.9B

By Bryce Hill

06/03/2024

Was Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates being facetious when she said a new contract could cost $50 billion and three cents? Maybe not. An analysis puts the price tag at least above $10 billion.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago Teachers Union contract demands about politics, bosses’ power

By Mailee Smith, Hannah Schmid

04/11/2024

A 142-page leaked document contains hundreds of Chicago Teachers Union contract demands, from 100% abortion coverage to pay for surrogates, from housing students in old schools to a fleet of electric school buses. Then there are 180 more of the union’s favored, failing schools.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago allows coach houses after 64-year ban, but with restrictions

By Noah Shaar

06/21/2021

Chicago issued permits for about 160 coach houses and granny flats after banning the alternative housing for decades. But restrictions may damage the experiment, especially in areas that most need affordable housing.

TAGS: affordable housing, Chicago, zoning

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

The Windy City blows away your holiday travel dollars

By Brad Weisenstein

05/19/2019

Illinois stands above its peers when it comes to taxing residents. But Chicago makes it really something to behold when visitors see that famous skyline with all its tall taxes.

TAGS: amusement tax, Chicago, gas tax, parking violations, sales tax, taxes, transportation

Airbnb

Gas, FanDuel, Zyn, AT&T, VRBO: 5 new taxes hitting Illinoisans July 1

Inside Illinois’ 2026 budget: spend now, squeeze more, solve later

Illinois adds $394M in taxes on Airbnb, Velo, DraftKings as it yanks property tax break

Chicago is only big city where mayor gets to fill city council vacancies

Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families

Chicago Teachers Union contract could cost at least $10.2B to $13.9B

Chicago Teachers Union contract demands about politics, bosses’ power

Chicago allows coach houses after 64-year ban, but with restrictions

Lightfoot proposes ban on booking single-night rentals

The Windy City blows away your holiday travel dollars

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