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

Illinois holiday travelers face hike on nation’s No. 2 gas taxes

By Patrick Andriesen

12/16/2022

Plenty of Illinoisans will be on the road this holiday season, with record-high travel across the nation. Filling up for the trip is pricey in Illinois and will get even pricier after Jan. 1.

TAGS: gas tax

$31,829 property tax bill robs ‘Home Alone’ house in 2022

By Dylan Sharkey

12/16/2022

Despite lower assessed value, thieving property taxes are on the rise for the old McCallister residence.

TAGS: home alone

Illinois Thanksgiving travelers pay 2nd-highest gas taxes in nation

By Dylan Sharkey

11/23/2022

AAA predicts nearly 55 million people will travel for Thanksgiving this year, only 2% less than Thanksgiving travel in 2019. Illinoisans hitting the road should try to fill up in other states.

TAGS: gas tax, Thanksgiving

Chicago Teachers Union backs its own lobbyist for Chicago mayor

By Dylan Sharkey

11/04/2022

Chicago Teachers Union leader Brandon Johnson announced his candidacy for Chicago mayor. It’s the latest push for political power by CTU, which has backed many campaigns including Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Patronage oversight ends for Cook County assessor’s office

11/03/2022

On Nov. 1 a federal judge decided to end decades-long patronage hiring oversight of the Cook County assessor’s office. Cronyism and patronage remain in Illinois, despite some government offices escaping federal court oversight.

TAGS: Cook County assessor, corruption, Shakman decrees

Who is running for judge in Illinois?

By Aimee Morrissey, Perry Zhao, Joe Tabor

11/03/2022

On Nov. 8, Illinoisans will vote for important judge positions, including three Illinois Supreme Court justices and 16 appellate court judges. Their decisions impact daily life, yet about 25% of voters leave their ballots blank when they get to the judges.

TAGS: election, judges

Amendment 1 could lock in $2B residential property tax hike

By Bryce Hill

10/31/2022

Statewide residential property tax extensions are on pace to total more than $24 billion by 2026, which is $2 billion more than the current total. Amendment 1’s expansion of government union power would likely accelerate that $2 billion increase.

TAGS: Amendment 1, property taxes, workers rights

Small business owner fears Amendment 1 tax hikes

10/28/2022

Linda Ekendahl hoped buying property for her business would be the best move – until her $30,000 property tax bill came. Another tax hike under Amendment 1 would further damage her business.

Early voting starts in Cook County for Nov. 8 elections

By Patrick Andriesen

10/24/2022

Cook County voters can now visit any of the 53 polling locations countywide to cast their ballot for the Nov. 8 general elections. Illinoisians can still choose to permanently vote by mail until Nov. 3.

TAGS: Cook County, early voting

Cook County

Shoppers pay 9% sales tax on Christmas gifts in Illinois

Illinois holiday travelers face hike on nation’s No. 2 gas taxes

$31,829 property tax bill robs ‘Home Alone’ house in 2022

Illinois Thanksgiving travelers pay 2nd-highest gas taxes in nation

Chicago Teachers Union backs its own lobbyist for Chicago mayor

Patronage oversight ends for Cook County assessor’s office

Who is running for judge in Illinois?

Amendment 1 could lock in $2B residential property tax hike

Small business owner fears Amendment 1 tax hikes

Early voting starts in Cook County for Nov. 8 elections

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