Illinois state gas tax to hit 47 cents July 1

By Dylan Sharkey

04/30/2024

After July 1, Illinois motorists will be averaging $184 more in state gas taxes since Gov. J.B. Pritzker doubled them in 2019. Illinois motorists already pay the second-highest gas taxes in the nation, and inflation adjustments just take them higher.

TAGS: gas tax

2024 NASCAR ticket price up to $270 higher thanks to Chicago tax

By Vincent Caruso

04/29/2024

The typical racing fan will pay an extra $22 for general admission to Chicago’s NASCAR “Street Race Weekend” thanks to the city’s amusement tax. Luxury seating could cost residents more than the price of a standard ticket in taxes alone.

Vallas: Chicago domestic shootings up 19% in 2023. Fix needed now.

By Paul Vallas

04/23/2024

In Chicago and Cook County, law enforcement leadership and the court systems are failing women, especially domestic violence victims. Black women are disproportionately impacted. Leadership is desperately needed where incompetence now rules.

TAGS: Chicago, crime

What you should know about the Chicago Teachers Union

By Brad Weisenstein

04/04/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union put its lobbyist in the Chicago mayor's office and is now negotiating its next contract with him. What taxpayers should know about CTU, how it's impacted education, its leadership and its ambitions to be the political machine running the nation's third-largest city.

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

Editorial: Voters send loud message to Mayor Johnson, his Chicago Teachers Union allies

By Hilary Gowins

03/19/2024

In 2020, 70% of Chicago voters approved the failed statewide progressive income tax. But on March 19, they rejected Mayor Brandon Johnson’s real estate transfer tax hike. This is a resounding defeat for Johnson and his allies in the Chicago Teachers Union.

TAGS: Chicago, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, taxes

Illinois’ rural counties shrink fastest in 2023

By Bryce Hill

03/18/2024

While Cook County experienced the largest decline, less-populous Illinois counties were losing people at the fastest rate last year.

TAGS: outmigration, population

Cook County 2nd-worst in U.S. as 87 of 102 Illinois counties lose population

By Bryce Hill

03/14/2024

Illinois’ population decline crisis continues to affect virtually all counties despite fewer losses in 2023. Cook County saw nation’s second-highest number of residents moving out.

Illinois Supreme Court: Votes count on ‘Bring Chicago Home’ referendum

By Dylan Sharkey

03/13/2024

The Illinois Supreme Court rejected a petition to invalidate votes on the “Bring Chicago Home” referendum. Voting ends March 19.

TAGS: Chicago, real estate transfer tax

What you need to know about ‘Bring Chicago Home’

By Dylan Sharkey

03/07/2024

Chicago’s March 19 primary election includes Mayor Brandon Johnson’s real estate transfer tax hike to raise $100 million, dubbed “Bring Chicago Home.” Will higher taxes without a plan help homeless Chicagoans or hurt their job prospects?

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, real estate transfer tax

Appellate decision: Votes on Bring Chicago Home referendum will count

By Dylan Sharkey

03/06/2024

Votes on Chicago’s March 19 referendum will count, according to an Illinois Appellate Court ruling. Now voters must weigh the merits of the real estate transfer tax hike.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, real estate transfer tax

Cook County

Illinois state gas tax to hit 47 cents July 1

2024 NASCAR ticket price up to $270 higher thanks to Chicago tax

Vallas: Chicago domestic shootings up 19% in 2023. Fix needed now.

What you should know about the Chicago Teachers Union

Editorial: Voters send loud message to Mayor Johnson, his Chicago Teachers Union allies

Illinois’ rural counties shrink fastest in 2023

Cook County 2nd-worst in U.S. as 87 of 102 Illinois counties lose population

Illinois Supreme Court: Votes count on ‘Bring Chicago Home’ referendum

What you need to know about ‘Bring Chicago Home’

Appellate decision: Votes on Bring Chicago Home referendum will count

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