$1B, unneeded tax hike coming to a tollway near you?

By Patrick Andriesen, Ravi Mishra

12/11/2025

Chicago-area drivers could end up paying $1 billion more in tolls each year as part of a deal state lawmakers admitted was made to get labor union support.

TAGS: Illinois Tollway

Chicago speed cameras take $90.9 million from drivers in 2024

By Patrick Andriesen

06/10/2025

Chicago’s speed cameras issued $90.9 million in tickets and fees to drivers in 2024, down $11.3 million from 2023. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s is adding 50 new speed cameras to recover those fines, with 11 issuing tickets by the end of June.

TAGS: Chicago, speed cameras

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

By Josh Bandoch, Lauren Zuar

06/03/2025

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

Chicago drivers face lower speed limit, more cameras after $28M fine drop

By Patrick Andriesen

12/10/2024

Chicago speed cameras sent drivers $28 million less in tickets through September than during the first nine months of 2023. Annual revenues could spike again under proposals to drop the citywide speed limit or boost the number of cameras.

TAGS: Chicago

Enough? Chicago aldermen to vote on mayor’s property tax hike

By Matheus Cosso

11/12/2024

Mayor Brandon Johnson broke a campaign promise by proposing a $300 million property tax increase to fund his $17.3 billion budget. On Thursday the city council will vote, and the signs are not good for Johnson.

TAGS: Chicago, property taxes

Cracking down on fare evasion can help deter Chicago transit crime

By Chris Coffey

10/31/2024

Washington, D.C., and New York City have cracked down on fare evasion because it is linked to serious and violent crime. The Chicago Transit Authority should do the same to curb its growing crime problem.

TAGS: CTA: Chicago Transit Authority

Chicago Teachers Union’s actions affect all Illinoisans

By Mailee Smith

10/23/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union might be in one city, but its lobbying and other political wrangling affect residents statewide.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Where Chicago school board candidates stand on school choice

By Dylan Sharkey

10/04/2024

Chicago Public Schools Board of Education candidates have varying positions on school choice, according to a Chicago Sun-Times and Chalkbeat Chicago questionnaire.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Building not permitted: Building permits in Illinois are a barrier to housing affordability

By Joe Tabor

09/26/2024

Published Sept. 26, 2024 Illinois is in the midst of a housing affordability crisis. Over a third of residents are considered “burdened” by housing costs, meaning they pay over 30% of their income on costs related to housing. That is a greater portion of residents burdened by housing than any other state in the Midwest....

Candidate survey: who is running for Chicago School Board?

09/26/2024

More than a dozen candidates filled out an Illinois Policy questionnaire to give voters a better idea of who is running for office. Read their answers below.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Chicago Sun-Times

$1B, unneeded tax hike coming to a tollway near you?

Chicago speed cameras take $90.9 million from drivers in 2024

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Chicago drivers face lower speed limit, more cameras after $28M fine drop

Enough? Chicago aldermen to vote on mayor’s property tax hike

Cracking down on fare evasion can help deter Chicago transit crime

Chicago Teachers Union’s actions affect all Illinoisans

Where Chicago school board candidates stand on school choice

Building not permitted: Building permits in Illinois are a barrier to housing affordability

Candidate survey: who is running for Chicago School Board?

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