Cook County state’s attorney approved $2M property tax settlement for Alderman Ed Burke’s client

By Amy Korte

01/16/2018

The office of Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx signed off on a $2 million property tax settlement with the property tax firm headed by Foxx campaign donor Alderman Ed Burke.

TAGS: Cook County, Ed Burke, Joseph Berrios, property taxes

Investigation: CPS employees stole gift cards meant for students

By Brendan Bakala

01/03/2018

From 2013 to 2016, Chicago Public Schools purchased more than $250,600 worth of gift cards, most of which were meant for students and families. But CPS employees stole some of them, according to the inspector general’s office.

TAGS: Chicago, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, Forrest Claypool

Illinois General Assembly, 2017 in review: State pet, state grain, but no fixes

01/02/2018

Illinois lawmakers passed hundreds of bills in 2017, but enacted no real reforms to boost the state’s economy, rein in the cost of government or provide relief to taxpayers.

TAGS: education, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, income tax, property taxes, small business, taxes

School districts across the state raise property tax levies

By Brendan Bakala

12/23/2017

Illinois’ school district debt and unfair government union bargaining laws contribute to the state’s massive property taxes.

TAGS: municipal pensions, pensions, property taxes, school district consolidation

Tax Increment Financing: Christmas year-round for local politicians, developers

By Chris Lentino

12/19/2017

Statewide use of slush funds ensures it’s Christmas every day for political leaders and their chosen developers.

TAGS: Chicago, pensions, real estate, taxes, TIF: Tax Increment Financing

Rigged: How Illinois’ labor laws stack the deck against taxpayers

By Mailee Smith

12/14/2017

If Illinois is going to compete with its neighbors – and keep people from moving out of the state – it must reduce the enormous property tax burden its families are forced to bear. Following the lead of surrounding states by enacting collective bargaining reforms is one good place to start.

Chicago Public Schools CEO resigns following ethics investigation

By Brendan Bakala

12/08/2017

Forrest Claypool will step down as the head of Chicago Public Schools after the CPS inspector general recommended his firing.

TAGS: Chicago, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, education, Forrest Claypool, Rahm Emanuel

In need of a comeback story, Illinoisans give thanks to their champions

By Austin Berg

11/30/2017

In a state that can seem devoid of hope, Joe Ocol’s empathy and generosity are something we all should cherish.

TAGS: education, Joe Ocol

Typical Chicago homeowner will face $174 more in taxes in 2018

By Chris Lentino

11/21/2017

Increases in several taxes mean a higher tax bill for taxpayers.

TAGS: budget, Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, taxes

Give thanks for Englewood’s chess champions

By Austin Berg

11/21/2017

One South Side success story is fighting for its future.

TAGS: Chicago, education

Chicago Public Schools

Cook County state’s attorney approved $2M property tax settlement for Alderman Ed Burke’s client

Investigation: CPS employees stole gift cards meant for students

Illinois General Assembly, 2017 in review: State pet, state grain, but no fixes

School districts across the state raise property tax levies

Tax Increment Financing: Christmas year-round for local politicians, developers

Rigged: How Illinois’ labor laws stack the deck against taxpayers

Chicago Public Schools CEO resigns following ethics investigation

In need of a comeback story, Illinoisans give thanks to their champions

Typical Chicago homeowner will face $174 more in taxes in 2018

Give thanks for Englewood’s chess champions

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