How Chicago’s pension crisis drives high taxes, fiscal turmoil

By Bryce Hill, Justin Carlson

02/10/2023

Before deciding who best can lead Chicago through its financial problems, it helps to understand what those problems are. Here’s a primer.

TAGS: budget, Chicago, pensions

Illinois shoppers pay highest sales tax in Midwest, 8th in nation

By Dylan Sharkey

02/09/2023

Illinoisans shopping for Valentine’s Day will pay the highest sales tax in the Midwest and eighth-highest in the nation.

TAGS: sales tax

Chicago Public Schools hit record graduation rate as math, reading scores drop

By Hannah Schmid

02/09/2023

Academic proficiency is down, chronic absenteeism is up and Chicago Public Schools celebrates its rates of students graduating and freshmen “on-track.”

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Illinoisans pay 2nd-highest local government fines, fees in nation

By Dylan Sharkey

02/08/2023

Illinoisans gave up $50 on average to fines and fees last year. That’s the second-most in the nation and almost double the U.S. average.

TAGS: fees, local government

Chicago restaurant crime along Red Line train highest near Loop stops

By Patrick Andriesen

02/07/2023

Each restaurant in the Chicago Loop along the “L” system’s Red Line averaged 1.2 crimes during 2021 and 2022, the most along the line. South of the Loop, there was less than one crime per restaurant.

TAGS: Chicago, crime, restaurants

Illinois Super Bowl bets expected to nearly double from 2021

By Dylan Sharkey

02/07/2023

Super Bowl betting will likely be a $1 million-plus revenue stream for a third consecutive year in Illinois. If the wagering projection is correct, the revenue could top $2 million on Sunday.

TAGS: Super Bowl

Voting by mail doubles for Chicago mayoral primary

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

02/06/2023

Voting patterns are changing in Chicago, with mail voting doubling since 2011. One-third of all votes in the 2019 primary were sent by mail or cast early.

TAGS: Chicago, vote-by-mail

Here’s a to-do list for Chicago mayoral candidates

By Joe Tabor, Bryce Hill, Mailee Smith

02/03/2023

Voters will decide the Chicago mayor’s race shortly. Here are the issues and policies the candidates should champion if they want a more prosperous and vibrant city.

TAGS: Chicago, election

Illinois House bill would force Chicago grocers, gas stations to hire armed guards

By Dylan Sharkey

02/03/2023

A state lawmaker wants to force select Chicago businesses to hire full-time, armed security guards.

TAGS: Chicago, crime

State retirees get nearly 40% more than what working Illinoisans earn

By Patrick Andriesen

02/01/2023

The typical career state worker collected $82,478 in annual pension benefits, recouping more income in 17 months of retirement than they contributed over 35 years. Working Illinoisans only earned $59,650 a year.

TAGS: Illinois, pensions

Chicago

How Chicago’s pension crisis drives high taxes, fiscal turmoil

Illinois shoppers pay highest sales tax in Midwest, 8th in nation

Chicago Public Schools hit record graduation rate as math, reading scores drop

Illinoisans pay 2nd-highest local government fines, fees in nation

Chicago restaurant crime along Red Line train highest near Loop stops

Illinois Super Bowl bets expected to nearly double from 2021

Voting by mail doubles for Chicago mayoral primary

Here’s a to-do list for Chicago mayoral candidates

Illinois House bill would force Chicago grocers, gas stations to hire armed guards

State retirees get nearly 40% more than what working Illinoisans earn

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