Watchdog: Illinois fiscal health 2nd worst in nation

09/25/2019

Illinois politicians have too often ignored the necessity of true pension reform and instead opted for tax hikes.

TAGS: budget, debt, taxes, Truth in Accounting

Feds raid home, offices of Illinois lawmaker close to Madigan

By Vincent Caruso

09/24/2019

A fourth political ally of Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan has become the latest target of an ongoing federal investigation.

TAGS: corruption, FBI: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Martin Sandoval, Mike Madigan

Legal marijuana sales may be restricted from most of downtown Chicago

By Vincent Caruso

09/18/2019

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has proposed zoning changes that would keep marijuana dispensaries out of most of the downtown business district after recreational use becomes legal on Jan. 1 in Illinois.

TAGS: Brendan Reilly, Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, marijuana, zoning

Watchdog: Cook County clerk illegally hired political connections

09/14/2019

A watchdog has accused Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough of running an “illegal patronage” operation, and is calling for federal oversight of her office.

TAGS: Cook County, Cook County Clerk, corruption, Karen Yarbrough, patronage

New Illinois financial documents expose ‘fair tax’ absurdity

By Austin Berg

09/05/2019

Illinois’ two major income tax hikes were major failures.

TAGS: fair tax, income tax, JB Pritzker, progressive income tax, taxes

Lightfoot looks to Springfield for more taxing power on high-end services, home sales

By Vincent Caruso

08/23/2019

Chicago’s mayor wants permission from Springfield to impose a new tax on high-end professional services and raise taxes on pricier home sales, as the city faces down a $1 billion deficit.

TAGS: Lori Lightfoot, municipal pensions, pension guarantee, pensions, real estate, service tax, taxes

Illinois’ film tax credit program is theatrically bad

By Austin Berg

08/02/2019

Illinois’ film tax credit program is a slap in the face to the state’s small business community outside the spotlight, does little to grow good jobs and is rife with corruption.

TAGS: Cinespace, film subsidies, JB Pritzker, small business, tax credits, taxes

Illinoisans face suspended license for texting while driving under new state law

07/02/2019

This summer, drivers in Illinois will face stiffer penalties for texting behind the wheel.

TAGS: distracted driving, JB Pritzker

Former Ald. Willie Cochran sentenced to 1 year in prison

06/24/2019

A federal court sentenced former Chicago Ald. Willie Cochran to one year in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud.

TAGS: Chicago, Chicago City Council, corruption, Willie Cochran

20 tax and fee hikes totaling $4.6 billion coming soon for Illinoisans

By Adam Schuster

06/14/2019

The Illinois General Assembly and governor devised 20 different ways to take more money from taxpayers to finance spending on government operations and infrastructure.

TAGS: alcohol tax, fair tax, gas tax, graduated income tax, income tax, JB Pritzker, marijuana, progressive income tax, streaming tax, taxes

Chicago Sun-Times

Watchdog: Illinois fiscal health 2nd worst in nation

Feds raid home, offices of Illinois lawmaker close to Madigan

Legal marijuana sales may be restricted from most of downtown Chicago

Watchdog: Cook County clerk illegally hired political connections

New Illinois financial documents expose ‘fair tax’ absurdity

Lightfoot looks to Springfield for more taxing power on high-end services, home sales

Illinois’ film tax credit program is theatrically bad

Illinoisans face suspended license for texting while driving under new state law

Former Ald. Willie Cochran sentenced to 1 year in prison

20 tax and fee hikes totaling $4.6 billion coming soon for Illinoisans

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