Nearly 2 million Illinoisans get food benefits, up 13.5% since 2019

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

08/08/2024

Nearly 2 million Illinoisans – or more than 1-in-7 state residents – received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in March 2024. Alexander and Pulaski counties led the state with 34% of residents receiving SNAP benefits.

TAGS: food stamps, SNAP

Democratic delegates might have tough time finding Chicago’s migrant crisis

By Kurtis Karg, Dylan Sharkey

08/08/2024

Chicago’s migrant crisis has been national news and a $430-million headache. But those in the city for the Democratic National Convention will have a hard time seeing the problem because the city has moved shelters out of downtown and to the South Side.

TAGS: immigration

VIDEO: What will keep Chicago’s 2024 Democratic National Convention from looking like 1968?

By Jess Plowman

08/07/2024

In an election year reminiscent of 1968, Chicagoans hope to avoid a repeat of history when the Democratic National Convention comes to town Aug. 19-22.

TAGS: Chicago, DNC: Democratic National Convention, Illinois

VIDEO: Chicago prepares for Democratic National Convention. Is it ready?

By Jess Plowman

08/05/2024

The Democratic National Convention is Aug. 19-22 in Chicago. But after a year and a half of planning, the political backdrop of the event is radically different than the one organizers started with and that Chicago leaders promised.

TAGS: Chicago, crime, DNC: Democratic National Convention

Illinoisans face 1,026 job cuts in June, with 27% at John Deere

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

08/02/2024

Illinoisans faced 1,026 mass layoffs in June 2024, with manufacturing and transportation sectors hit hardest. John Deere in East Moline accounted for about 1-in-4 of the layoffs announced statewide.

TAGS: jobs, unemployment

Vallas: What to know about Chicago Public Schools budget

By Paul Vallas

08/01/2024

Chicago Public Schools just passed a $9.9 billion budget that spends nearly $30,000 per student. Despite receiving most city property taxes, boosted state funding and about 40% of federal aid, the new teachers contract will put the budget in the red.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Chicago Teachers Union funds 3 in 5 Chicago aldermen, with big bucks to Socialists

By Perry Zhao

08/01/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union has funneled over $850,000 to the political committees of 30 of the 50 current Chicago aldermen since 2010. Seven Socialists received the most money.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Illinois property taxes at $5K are higher than 5 states combined

By Patrick Andriesen

08/01/2024

Illinoisans paid the second-highest property tax rate in the U.S. in 2022, with the median Illinois homeowner spending more than taxpayers in Alabama, West Virginia, Arkansas, Louisiana and South Carolina combined. See how your county compares.

TAGS: property taxes, taxes

Average Illinois property tax bill rises $756 in 5 years

By Patrick Andriesen

08/01/2024

Homeowners in half of Illinois’ 102 counties saw their property taxes grow faster than inflation from 2018 to 2022. The median bill rose $756 in that time.

TAGS: housing, taxes

Chicago Teachers Union demands $543K property tax break on union HQ

By Patrick Andriesen

07/31/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union is seeking a $543k property tax cut that would take about $301K from the schools where its members teach. CTU’s also making over $10 billion in contract demands, which would certainly drive up Chicagoans’ tax bills.

TAGS: Chicago Teachers Union, taxes

Chicago

Nearly 2 million Illinoisans get food benefits, up 13.5% since 2019

Democratic delegates might have tough time finding Chicago’s migrant crisis

VIDEO: What will keep Chicago’s 2024 Democratic National Convention from looking like 1968?

VIDEO: Chicago prepares for Democratic National Convention. Is it ready?

Illinoisans face 1,026 job cuts in June, with 27% at John Deere

Vallas: What to know about Chicago Public Schools budget

Chicago Teachers Union funds 3 in 5 Chicago aldermen, with big bucks to Socialists

Illinois property taxes at $5K are higher than 5 states combined

Average Illinois property tax bill rises $756 in 5 years

Chicago Teachers Union demands $543K property tax break on union HQ

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