August is teacher union opt-out time: what you need to know

By Lilly Rossi

08/04/2025

There is one time a year for most public education employees to opt out of their teachers union. That time is now. Here’s why it might make sense for you.

TAGS: opt out, teachers union

Leaving kids home alone at Christmas could still land you on naughty list

By Patrick Andriesen

12/19/2024

Illinois no longer has the highest home alone age in the nation, but it might not be the Christmas gift parents were hoping for. Illinoisans should still get a sitter or risk coming under investigation.

Nearly $50K property tax bills robs ‘Home Alone’ house

By Patrick Andriesen

12/13/2024

The current owners of Kevin McCallister’s house from the “Home Alone” movie will pay nearly $50,000 in property taxes this year. Illinoisans pay more than twice as much as the typical American in property taxes.

TAGS: property taxes

Illinoisans expected to bet $300 million on holiday football

By Dylan Sharkey

12/29/2023

Illinoisans will have wagered more than $300 million on football during December, or roughly $25 a person. Illinois is the second-largest sports betting market in the nation.

Illinois has highest ‘Home Alone’ age in nation

By Dylan Sharkey

12/21/2023

Leaving a child under 14 home alone in Illinois is illegal. That’s the highest age of any state, with only three other states making that parental decision a matter of state law.

Illinois ‘sin taxes’ rely on an unreliable naughty list

By Jess Plowman

12/20/2023

State politicians like to pass laws they claim will make Illinoisans healthier by taxing their naughty habits. The taxes rarely are as lucrative as projected and hurt some more than others.

Up 40% or down 40%, Chicago property taxes all over the map

By Josh Bandoch

08/07/2023

Chicago’s residential property taxes between 2020 and 2021 were pretty volatile. Don’t be happy about a big drop, though, because it might mean your home isn’t worth as much.

TAGS: Chicago, property taxes

2nd Pritzker gas tax hike this year to hit Illinois drivers July 1

By Dylan Sharkey

05/26/2023

Illinoisans face the second gas tax hike of 2023 on July 1. The 3.1 cent hike doesn’t need lawmaker approval, thanks to Gov. J.B. Pritzker implementing automatic gas tax hikes.

How Chicago Teachers Union members can stop forced political donations

By Mailee Smith

02/24/2023

The Chicago Teachers Union has drawn criticism from members for its handling of member money and use of dues for political purposes. Teachers who don’t like the way CTU uses their money can opt out and join alternative organizations.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Shoppers pay 9% sales tax on Christmas gifts in Illinois

By Patrick Andriesen

12/22/2022

Illinois shoppers will pay an average 8.81% in sales taxes on presents this holiday, the eighth most nationwide. Some Cook County communities will charge up to 11.5%.

TAGS: Illinois, sales tax

Christmas

August is teacher union opt-out time: what you need to know

Leaving kids home alone at Christmas could still land you on naughty list

Nearly $50K property tax bills robs ‘Home Alone’ house

Illinoisans expected to bet $300 million on holiday football

Illinois has highest ‘Home Alone’ age in nation

Illinois ‘sin taxes’ rely on an unreliable naughty list

Up 40% or down 40%, Chicago property taxes all over the map

2nd Pritzker gas tax hike this year to hit Illinois drivers July 1

How Chicago Teachers Union members can stop forced political donations

Shoppers pay 9% sales tax on Christmas gifts in Illinois

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

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