Illinois economy shows middling Q4 growth amid U.S. economic uncertainty

By Ravi Mishra

04/09/2026

The state outpaced national growth for just the fifth time in the past 20 quarters. Long-term growth still shows worrying signs.

CTU wants a day off for students and teachers — for political activism

By Lilly Rossi

04/09/2026

The Chicago Teachers Union wants the mayor and school board to approve May 1 as a paid day off and excused absence for a “Day of Civic Action.”

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Retired state employee backs pension buyouts for Chicago police, fire

By Jess Plowman

04/09/2026

75% of property taxes raised for public safety are going to pensions instead of services.

Illinois can expand opportunity with apprenticeship bill

By Josh Bandoch

04/02/2026

A measure in the General Assembly would permit cosmetology and barber apprenticeships as a pathway to a license.

Cutting red tape: Chicago makes progress, but long way to go

By LyLena Estabine

04/02/2026

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s ‘Cut the Tape’ initiative has made real gains for housing in its second year. Still, the hardest reforms remain undone.

Cook County TIFs cost taxpayers over $2 billion

By LyLena Estabine

04/01/2026

By freezing property values in a specific area, TIF districts artificially manipulate who pays the levy, leading to effective property tax hikes.

TAGS: TIF: Tax Increment Financing

Combating fare evasion could help lagging CTA ridership

By Ravi Mishra

03/31/2026

Fare evasion leads to lower revenue and higher crime. Two cities have found a way to fight it.

TAGS: CTA: Chicago Transit Authority

More than half of Illinois counties suffer outmigration

By Bryce Hill

03/26/2026

Residents are leaving every corner of Illinois for other states despite surging international migration propping up the total population.

Illinois home prices jump as inventory plunges

By LyLena Estabine, Jon Josko

03/26/2026

The state’s housing inventory is at just 31% of pre-pandemic levels, driving up prices. Restrictive zoning and the nation’s highest property taxes must be addressed.

Chicago Teachers Union must answer for audits

By Lilly Rossi

03/24/2026

A Cook County judge isn’t letting the CTU off the hook for violating member rights.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago

Illinois economy shows middling Q4 growth amid U.S. economic uncertainty

CTU wants a day off for students and teachers — for political activism

Retired state employee backs pension buyouts for Chicago police, fire

Illinois can expand opportunity with apprenticeship bill

Cutting red tape: Chicago makes progress, but long way to go

Cook County TIFs cost taxpayers over $2 billion

Combating fare evasion could help lagging CTA ridership

More than half of Illinois counties suffer outmigration

Illinois home prices jump as inventory plunges

Chicago Teachers Union must answer for audits

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

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