A model for Illinois: 4 criminal-justice reforms from U.S. public-safety leaders

By Bryant Jackson-Green

10/24/2015

Police chiefs and prosecutors increasingly support policies to reduce unnecessary incarceration.

TAGS: bail, criminal justice reform, decriminalization, expungement, police body cameras, record sealing, restorative justice, sentencing reform

Chicago aldermen move to shackle rideshare drivers with licensing scheme

By Austin Berg

10/23/2015

As companies such as Uber fight to bring driving jobs to underserved neighborhoods, City Council wants to require expensive licensing in exchange for access to customers at airports.

TAGS: rideshare

Fitch cuts Illinois credit rating, cites budget gridlock, massive debt and sluggish growth

By Austin Berg

10/19/2015

The Illinois General Assembly is refusing to fix Illinois’ structural problems. Downgrades are the consequence.

TAGS: budget, credit rating, Fitch Ratings

Illinois’ tax revenues increased more than those of any state but North Dakota since Great Recession

By Michael Lucci

10/19/2015

A new study from The Pew Charitable Trusts shows that Illinois’ tax revenues are up by 20 percent over their pre-Great Recession peak, debunking the oft-repeated mantra that Illinois is just one more tax hike away from solving its fiscal problems.

TAGS: budget, taxes

Illinois needs term limits

By Jim Long

10/18/2015

Illinois should adopt term limits for its elected officials to diminish the unchecked power of career politicians such as House Speaker Mike Madigan.

TAGS: Mike Madigan, term limits

Warning signal: High-end home sales slow to a crawl in Chicago suburbs

10/16/2015

“Not totally dead” yet In the Chicago suburbs of Burr Ridge, Naperville and Hinsdale this summer, sales of high-end real estate hit a huge slump, which continues. For example, Crain’s Chicago Business reports the city of Burr Ridge has 100 homes on the market priced at $1 million or higher, but only 14 have sold...

TAGS: home price index, property taxes

Meet the politicians getting rich off Chicago’s property-tax scheme

By Austin Berg

10/16/2015

Flawed property valuations and the process required to fix them are a cash cow for law firms, including those of House Speaker Mike Madigan, Chicago Alderman Ed Burke and Illinois Senate President John Cullerton.

TAGS: Chicago, corruption, cronyism, Ed Burke, John Cullerton, Mike Madigan, property taxes

Cook County plans to hike taxes on bowling, golf and cable TV

By Austin Berg

10/15/2015

“Pay to play” might take on a whole new meaning in Chicago.

TAGS: amusement tax, Cook County, sales tax

Company founded by political insiders received over $22 million from Illinois in vendor late fees

By Amy Korte

10/13/2015

The state of Illinois has paid $611 million in late fees to vendors. Political insiders who have donated to some of the state’s most powerful elected officials are reaping the benefits.

TAGS: budget, debt, unpaid bills

Illinois state government takes in more tax dollars per person than every neighboring state

By Austin Berg

10/13/2015

The low-tax Land of Lincoln is a myth.

TAGS: income tax, property taxes, sales tax, taxes

Chicago

A model for Illinois: 4 criminal-justice reforms from U.S. public-safety leaders

Chicago aldermen move to shackle rideshare drivers with licensing scheme

Fitch cuts Illinois credit rating, cites budget gridlock, massive debt and sluggish growth

Illinois’ tax revenues increased more than those of any state but North Dakota since Great Recession

Illinois needs term limits

Warning signal: High-end home sales slow to a crawl in Chicago suburbs

Meet the politicians getting rich off Chicago’s property-tax scheme

Cook County plans to hike taxes on bowling, golf and cable TV

Company founded by political insiders received over $22 million from Illinois in vendor late fees

Illinois state government takes in more tax dollars per person than every neighboring state

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