Lawmakers considering adding more than $64.5 billion in pension costs in final hours of budget negotiations

By Bryce Hill

05/30/2025

As state lawmakers finalize the 2026 budget, public sector unions are pushing for major benefit spikes for Tier 2 pensioners to be included in last-minute additions.

Illinois considers hiking tolls and taxing rideshares to cover transit shortfall

By Patrick Andriesen

05/30/2025

Springfield lawmakers are close to hiking road tolls, taxing rideshare services as well as real estate sales for everyone in Cook and the collar counties.

Illinois cities should learn from Rockford when it comes to spending

By LyLena Estabine

05/29/2025

Since 2017, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara has cut the property tax rate to 1.93% by cutting costs and spending smarter – a playbook other Illinois cities should copy.

No degree? No problem. Chicago expanding access to work

By Lauren Zuar

05/28/2025

A new Chicago ordinance will remove college degree requirements for most city jobs. The measure breaks down employment barriers for disadvantaged groups and opens new pathways to prosperity.

Only 4 states tax services by default, but Illinois may join them

By Patrick Andriesen

05/27/2025

Adding sales taxes to services is limited in the U.S., with 46 states not generally taxing services. Illinois may break from the pack and start adding sales taxes to haircuts, lawn care, car repair and a long list of other service expected to cost $2.7 billion.

Vallas: Pritzker for president? Check that Illinois baggage.

By Paul Vallas

05/26/2025

As Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker positions himself as the foil to President Donald Trump, a look at his record as governor is telling. What it is telling is not good.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, jobs, taxes

Housing won’t be affordable until Illinois starts building more units

By LyLena Estabine

05/21/2025

Illinois municipal leaders didn’t grant building permits to enough new housing in 2024. Low numbers and lack of density indicate Illinois could improve its housing picture with more development.

TAGS: affordable housing, housing market

What to expect with 3 more years of Stacy Davis Gates leading Chicago Teachers Union

By Mailee Smith

05/19/2025

Stacy Davis Gates and her slate of progressive Chicago Teachers Union leaders won reelection on May 16. Illinoisans can expect the union to pursue more money, more power and more radical policies during her continued tenure as union president.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, Stacy Davis Gates

Illinois payroll tax would kill jobs, reduce wages

By Bryce Hill

05/16/2025

Illinois state lawmakers are considering a statewide payroll tax that would raise business costs, reduce wages and kill jobs. Workers are already taxed on their income, meaning this would tax their wages twice.

Illinois sees 1,023 mass layoffs, over half from business closures

By Patrick Andriesen

05/16/2025

Illinois companies announced 1,023 mass layoffs in April, with more than half from business closures. One-fifth of Illinois job cuts resulted from a lost contract to manage McCormick Place in Chicago.

Chicago

Lawmakers considering adding more than $64.5 billion in pension costs in final hours of budget negotiations

Illinois considers hiking tolls and taxing rideshares to cover transit shortfall

Illinois cities should learn from Rockford when it comes to spending

No degree? No problem. Chicago expanding access to work

Only 4 states tax services by default, but Illinois may join them

Vallas: Pritzker for president? Check that Illinois baggage.

Housing won’t be affordable until Illinois starts building more units

What to expect with 3 more years of Stacy Davis Gates leading Chicago Teachers Union

Illinois payroll tax would kill jobs, reduce wages

Illinois sees 1,023 mass layoffs, over half from business closures

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

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