When will Cook County expect 2nd property tax payment? Good question.

By Jerry Barmore

09/08/2025

The second installment of Cook County property taxes should have been paid Aug. 1. The county can’t get the calculations completed, so the bills are on hold.

TAGS: Cook County

Vallas: Chicago needs federal intervention, but not National Guard

By Paul Vallas

09/08/2025

Federal help is needed in Chicago, but it should be professional law enforcement and encompass the entire justice system. Sending just the National Guard is destined to create problems when Chicago’s embattled communities need solutions.

Can your family get federal school choice grants? Likely, if Pritzker OKs

By Tom Viz, Jon Josko

09/05/2025

Use our calculator to see if your family is eligible to receive a school choice grant from the Educational Choice for Children Act. Then, sign the petition to tell Gov. J.B. Pritzker to let Illinois join the federal program.

Ahead of Monday Night Football: When are Bears moving to Arlington Heights?

By Dylan Sharkey

09/04/2025

As the Chicago Bears get ready for Monday Night Football, fans have heard talk about Arlington Heights since 2021. Here are the three biggest questions surrounding the move.

TAGS: Chicago Bears

Expect busy Chicago roads, high Illinois gas prices during Labor Day travel

By Brad Weisenstein

08/26/2025

AAA named Chicago a top domestic travel spot for Labor Day. It also said Illinois has some of the nation’s highest gas prices. Thank Illinois taxes for the extra dings at the pump.

It’s been 1,805 days since Chicago Teachers Union’s last “annual audit”

By Mailee Smith

08/19/2025

The Chicago Teachers Union has shirked its own rules for years, causing members to sue the union to release a required annual audit. Members concerned about the union’s finances can opt out in August.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Cook County homeowners paid $2 billion extra in property taxes because of appeal process

By LyLena Estabine, Cameron Jasper

08/15/2025

When a Cook County business successfully appeals their property taxes, the county just shifts that burden to homeowners. This meant an extra $2 billion in residential property taxes instead of a lower property tax levy.

Illinois needs a limitation on special property tax district extensions

By LyLena Estabine, Cameron Jasper

08/15/2025

Tax increment financing districts divert public property tax dollars with little oversight, letting cities keep special taxing powers for decades, often misusing funds and shortchanging taxpayers.

TAGS: TIF: Tax Increment Financing

Chicago alderman’s $120K pension shows why city fund is broken

By LyLena Estabine

08/14/2025

Chicago’s municipal pension is one of the worst-funded pension systems in the nation despite sky-high taxes dedicated to paying into it. Fat pensions such as former Ald. Walter Burnett’s show why.

TAGS: Chicago City Council

Illinois law still says unpaid property taxes can rob you of home equity

By Cameron Jasper, LyLena Estabine

08/12/2025

Across Illinois, homeowners are losing their homes and all their equity over minor tax debts, with private investors reaping the profits. Illinois is one of the remaining states hasn’t reformed this unconstitutional practice.

Cook County

When will Cook County expect 2nd property tax payment? Good question.

Vallas: Chicago needs federal intervention, but not National Guard

Can your family get federal school choice grants? Likely, if Pritzker OKs

Ahead of Monday Night Football: When are Bears moving to Arlington Heights?

Expect busy Chicago roads, high Illinois gas prices during Labor Day travel

It’s been 1,805 days since Chicago Teachers Union’s last “annual audit”

Cook County homeowners paid $2 billion extra in property taxes because of appeal process

Illinois needs a limitation on special property tax district extensions

Chicago alderman’s $120K pension shows why city fund is broken

Illinois law still says unpaid property taxes can rob you of home equity

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

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