Here are 10 Illinois laws, taxes starting July 1

By Patrick Andriesen

07/01/2024

A list of new laws took effect in Illinois on July 1, impacting taxes, licenses and labor relations. Here’s what you need to know.

TAGS: taxes

Understanding the Chicago Teachers Union’s unprecedented contract demands

By Elliot Parrish, Jess Plowman

06/28/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union's lengthy list of demands includes base raises and experience compensation each year, housing help, climate justice, more compensation added to pension calculations and a pool of health care funds targeted to racial disparities. An analysis puts the price tag at least $10 billion.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Over 2,700 vacant properties owned by Chicago not for sale because of ‘environmental review’ regulations

By Perry Zhao

06/28/2024

Thousands of vacant properties sit undeveloped in Chicago thanks to environmental review.

Chicago Public Schools employs 5,500 more staff members for 32,000 fewer students during past four years

By Hannah Schmid

06/27/2024

Enrollment at Chicago Public Schools has dropped by 31,905 students since 2019. The district’s staff has increased by 5,472 full-time equivalent staff members over that same period. CPS now has 323,251 students and 43,255 staff members, including teachers.

TAGS: education

Chicago violent crime up 8% through May, spurred by spike in robberies

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

06/27/2024

Chicagoans reported 7.8% more violent crime from June 2023 through May 2024, led primarily by a spike in robberies. West and South Side residents bore the brunt of the increase as arrest rates continued to decline.

TAGS: crime

Chicago City Council considers 16 new tax and fee hikes

By Patrick Andriesen

06/26/2024

Chicago Ald. Will Hall, 6th ward, proposed 16 new tax and fee hikes to fellow city council members in a survey.

TAGS: taxes

The four-step approach to escaping poverty

By Chris Coffey

06/25/2024

The relationship between family formation and prosperity is accepted across the political spectrum.

TAGS: poverty

Chicago’s affordable housing program rife with red tape

By Perry Zhao

06/25/2024

Time-consuming steps in Chicago’s affordable housing program stops the city from seeing more housing.

How public programs can penalize workers earning more

By Aayush Goodpaty

06/25/2024

Families trying to escape poverty are sometimes worse off with greater incomes because of benefits cliffs hidden in public programs.

Former Ald. Ed Burke sentenced to 2 years for racketeering, bribery

By Dylan Sharkey

06/24/2024

Former Chicago Ald. Ed Burke, once the longest-serving member of the city council, was sentenced to two years in prison and pay a $2 million fine.

Chicago

Here are 10 Illinois laws, taxes starting July 1

Understanding the Chicago Teachers Union’s unprecedented contract demands

Over 2,700 vacant properties owned by Chicago not for sale because of ‘environmental review’ regulations

Chicago Public Schools employs 5,500 more staff members for 32,000 fewer students during past four years

Chicago violent crime up 8% through May, spurred by spike in robberies

Chicago City Council considers 16 new tax and fee hikes

The four-step approach to escaping poverty

Chicago’s affordable housing program rife with red tape

How public programs can penalize workers earning more

Former Ald. Ed Burke sentenced to 2 years for racketeering, bribery

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