Chicago business activity drops for 23rd straight month

By Josh Bandoch

11/17/2025

A barometer of business health shows Chicago is close to marking two years of decline. The city’s employment rate lags the nation.

Riverwalk eatery gone thanks to murky Chicago rules

By Dylan Sharkey

11/17/2025

Restaurants and bars bid to be along Chicago’s Riverwalk, so why a proven business with a lucrative offer was booted is a mystery wrapped up in a secretive city panel.

Illinois firefighter pensions torch local finances

By LyLena Estabine

11/17/2025

In Lake County and across Illinois, fire pensions are driving up property taxes and leaving fewer resources for safety.

Housing gets boost by easing parking lot mandates near transit

By LyLena Estabine

11/13/2025

The Illinois General Assembly just eliminated parking minimums for developments near transit hubs. That flexibility should boost housing.

Chicago Teachers Union lobby day costs taxpayers up to $19.3K

By Lilly Rossi

11/13/2025

More than 100 teachers left struggling students, cost taxpayers as much as $19,300 for Chicago Teachers Union “lobby day.”

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Scores down, absences up for Chicago low-income, minority students

By Hannah Schmid

11/12/2025

Chicago Public Schools’ low-income and minority students recorded lower proficiency rates than the state average. They are also missing more school.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Over 2-in-5 Chicago teachers chronically absent

By Hannah Schmid

11/12/2025

Last year, 43% of Chicago Public Schools teachers missed 10 or more school days. Statewide, it was 34%.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Transit fares frozen as Chicago drivers hit with 45-cent toll hikes

By Ravi Mishra

11/11/2025

The transit rescue plan freezes fares, raises tolls, hikes sales taxes and diverts road funds – adding to taxpayers’ burdens.

Chicago’s high sales taxes about to increase to No. 1 in nation

By Ravi Mishra

11/11/2025

Chicago-area sales taxes were already No. 2 in the U.S., but new taxing authority handed to the Regional Transportation Authority will raise them to No. 1.

Baker & Taylor library supplier closing, laying off 318

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

11/10/2025

A major library supplier formerly employing 1,500 will cease operations at the end of the year, laying off 318 workers in October at its Momence distribution center.

TAGS: jobs, unemployment

Chicago

Chicago business activity drops for 23rd straight month

Riverwalk eatery gone thanks to murky Chicago rules

Illinois firefighter pensions torch local finances

Housing gets boost by easing parking lot mandates near transit

Chicago Teachers Union lobby day costs taxpayers up to $19.3K

Scores down, absences up for Chicago low-income, minority students

Over 2-in-5 Chicago teachers chronically absent

Transit fares frozen as Chicago drivers hit with 45-cent toll hikes

Chicago’s high sales taxes about to increase to No. 1 in nation

Baker & Taylor library supplier closing, laying off 318

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