Report offers $1B in fixes as Chicago budget talks break down

By Ravi Mishra

12/12/2025

The Chicago City Council rejected Mayor Brandon Johnson’s economically harmful tax proposals, but a report offers $1 billion in solutions

Most Chicagoans, aldermen oppose Johnson’s 2026 budget

By Patrick Andriesen

12/12/2025

Most Chicago City Council members and residents oppose Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2026 budget, especially his plan to tax job creation.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, Chicago City Council

Chicago property taxes have doubled in 10 years, thanks to pensions

By Bryce Hill

12/17/2024

Chicago’s government pension obligations have increased nearly sixfold since 2014, driving up Chicago’s sky-high property taxes. Another increase for 2025 was likely avoided, but city leaders need state lawmakers to make a permanent fix.

Johnson’s 2025 Chicago budget breaks property tax promise

By Lauren Zuar, Ravi Mishra

10/30/2024

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson delivered his 2025 budget Oct. 30, including a nearly $1 billion deficit, runaway spending and low revenues that have him breaking his campaign promise not to raise property taxes.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, property taxes

Report: Chicago Teachers Union is new Chicago political machine

By Mailee Smith

09/25/2024

Years of exorbitant political spending in Illinois – more than $24.3 million since 2010 – has secured an enormous amount of political influence for the Chicago Teachers Union. It is now the main political player not just in Chicago, but across the state.

ShotSpotter support highest in Black, Hispanic Chicago wards mayor claims it hurts

By Patrick Andriesen

09/20/2024

Where is support strongest for the gunshot detection system Chicago’s mayor wants to dump? In the Black and Hispanic wards where it is most needed and has saved lives.

TAGS: ShotSpotter

Democratic delegates might have tough time finding Chicago’s migrant crisis

By Kurtis Karg, Dylan Sharkey

08/08/2024

Chicago’s migrant crisis has been national news and a $430-million headache. But those in the city for the Democratic National Convention will have a hard time seeing the problem because the city has moved shelters out of downtown and to the South Side.

TAGS: immigration

Chicago households making $100K targeted by Brandon Johnson allies

By Bryce Hill, Justin Carlson

06/06/2023

An ominously titled document by close confidants of new Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson states the new administration’s top priority is to take more money from households making $100,000 or more to fund what they claim is a “just Chicago.”

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

Bill would grant police powers to Illinois state lawmakers

By Patrick Andriesen

03/09/2021

“Stop, in the name of the Illinois General Assembly!”

TAGS: Dan Caulkins, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, police powers

Food truck, mobile boutique regulations loosened by Chicago City Council

01/22/2020

The new ordinance backed by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot allows food trucks and other mobile entrepreneurs to operate with more freedom on city streets.

TAGS: Chicago, Chicago City Council, cronyism, entrepreneurs, food trucks, licensing, Lori Lightfoot, regulations

Alderman

Report offers $1B in fixes as Chicago budget talks break down

Most Chicagoans, aldermen oppose Johnson’s 2026 budget

Chicago property taxes have doubled in 10 years, thanks to pensions

Johnson’s 2025 Chicago budget breaks property tax promise

Report: Chicago Teachers Union is new Chicago political machine

ShotSpotter support highest in Black, Hispanic Chicago wards mayor claims it hurts

Democratic delegates might have tough time finding Chicago’s migrant crisis

Chicago households making $100K targeted by Brandon Johnson allies

Bill would grant police powers to Illinois state lawmakers

Food truck, mobile boutique regulations loosened by Chicago City Council

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