7 things to know about public charter school laws in Illinois

By Hannah Schmid

09/18/2026

Charter schools are intended to offer families more options in the public school system, but Illinois law often restricts and undermines the autonomy with which they were designed.

Three things to know three years later about the end of cash bail in Chicago

By Joe Tabor, Riya Kapoor

09/18/2026

Reforms could diminish the risk of new crimes committed on pretrial release.

TAGS: SAFE-T Act

Chicago speed cameras ticket drivers every 48 seconds

By Lilly Rossi

09/16/2026

The city added 50 cameras and tickets jumped almost 26%, but the additional revenue fell short of the city’s projection.

TAGS: speed cameras

How do I register to vote in Illinois?

By Patrick Andriesen

09/15/2026

Registering to vote in Illinois can be confusing. Here is what you need to know to make sure your voice is heard this Election Day.

TAGS: Election Day

Aurora voters could get power to recall mayor, at-large aldermen

By Joe Tabor, Lilly Rossi

09/15/2026

Almost 9,000 signatures from residents could put two binding referendum questions on the ballot to establish recall procedures.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson running for reelection

By Dylan Sharkey

09/11/2026

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is seeking a second term, officially joining the growing field of candidates in the 2027 Chicago mayoral election.

Because of pensions, Chicago pays $157 for $100 of payroll

By Adam Gorcyca

09/10/2026

A history of financial mismanagement has left the city putting in 57% of covered payroll for pensions, but even that’s not enough.

Illinois’ top 50 state pensioners averaged $437,000 each last year

By Adam Gorcyca

09/09/2026

184 pensioners in Illinois’ five state-run systems received enough in 2025 to put them in the top 5% of U.S. income earners.

TAGS: TRS: Teachers’ Retirement System

How much has the Chicago Teachers Union spent on Chicago school board candidates?

By Lilly Rossi

09/08/2026

As of Sept. 1, the CTU had spent almost $236,000 on eight candidates running for Chicago Public Schools’ first fully elected school board.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Skokie zoning reform would make home renovations easier

By Lilly Rossi

09/08/2026

Homeowners in the suburb could soon have more freedom to renovate their homes without being forced to add parking spaces.

Chicago

7 things to know about public charter school laws in Illinois

Three things to know three years later about the end of cash bail in Chicago

Chicago speed cameras ticket drivers every 48 seconds

How do I register to vote in Illinois?

Aurora voters could get power to recall mayor, at-large aldermen

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson running for reelection

Because of pensions, Chicago pays $157 for $100 of payroll

Illinois’ top 50 state pensioners averaged $437,000 each last year

How much has the Chicago Teachers Union spent on Chicago school board candidates?

Skokie zoning reform would make home renovations easier

7 things to know about public charter school laws in Illinois

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