Chicago one of only two big cities without mayoral, city council term limits

By Grace Hansen

07/01/2026

A city charter could impose them. All other big cities have one

Lawmakers pass bill creating apprenticeships for beauty professions

By Todd J. Behme

06/30/2026

Under the measure, aspiring barbers, cosmetologists and others would have a path to a license that doesn’t require expensive schooling.

TAGS: occupational licensing

Chicago minimum wage increases could reduce opportunities

By Lilly Rossi

06/30/2026

Hourly pay in the city rises every year per ordinance. On July 1 it goes to $17.05.

Chicago Teachers Union-style political agenda may come to your school district

By Mailee Smith

06/25/2026

Teacher contracts expire this year in at least 60 districts represented by the Illinois Federation of Teachers — run by CTU President Stacy Davis Gates.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Vallas: Pritzker signs a budget giving Illinois tax hikes, higher spending

By Paul Vallas

06/17/2026

Eight years of the governor’s budgets have exposed the cost of spending-driven budgeting and repeated tax hikes.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Pritzker signs $55.9 billion budget

By Lilly Rossi

06/16/2026

Illinois is tagged with more taxes when the governor had the opportunity to say no.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Chicago’s sustainable community high schools: Lower outcomes, higher costs

By Hannah Schmid

06/12/2026

The Chicago Teachers Union’s preferred model fails in academic proficiency, absenteeism and cost.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Illinois gas tax set to increase every year—without a vote

By Patrick Andriesen

06/10/2026

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 2019 “Rebuild Illinois” plan created automatic inflationary adjustments in the state gas tax, which could reach over $1 per gallon by 2056.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Lawmakers punt on housing supply as prices up 48% since 2019

By LyLena Estabine

06/04/2026

The state’s home prices have jumped 48% while housing for sale has plummeted.

Illinois passes record $55.9 billion budget, with over $800 million in tax increases

By Bryce Hill

06/01/2026

Illinois lawmakers’ late-night budget sets a new spending record financed by more tax hikes on the final day of legislative session.

TAGS: budget, JB Pritzker, pensions, taxes

Chicago

Chicago one of only two big cities without mayoral, city council term limits

Lawmakers pass bill creating apprenticeships for beauty professions

Chicago minimum wage increases could reduce opportunities

Chicago Teachers Union-style political agenda may come to your school district

Vallas: Pritzker signs a budget giving Illinois tax hikes, higher spending

Pritzker signs $55.9 billion budget

Chicago’s sustainable community high schools: Lower outcomes, higher costs

Illinois gas tax set to increase every year—without a vote

Lawmakers punt on housing supply as prices up 48% since 2019

Illinois passes record $55.9 billion budget, with over $800 million in tax increases

7 things to know about public charter school laws in Illinois

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