The nation’s longest-serving legislative speaker, a state senator and a former Cook County commissioner were on Illinois’ too-long list of corrupt politicians.

Here’s why buying an Illinois home can be hard

By LyLena Estabine, Jon Josko

11/25/2025

Illinois home prices have jumped nearly 50% since 2018 while available housing hasn’t recovered since the pandemic, creating a housing shortage.

Every Illinois metro has fewer homes for sale than in 2018

By LyLena Estabine, Jon Josko

10/22/2025

Illinois home prices have jumped 48% since 2018 while available housing inventory has plummeted across all 26 tracked metro areas, creating a housing crisis driven largely by restrictive zoning laws and the nation’s highest property taxes.

Illinois home prices up nearly 50% since 2018, inventory low

By LyLena Estabine, Jon Josko

08/26/2025

Restrictive zoning laws and policy barriers have prevented new housing construction, driving prices up and Illinois families out.

Chicago’s commercial property taxes 2X U.S. city average, kill opportunity

By Cameron Jasper, LyLena Estabine

08/01/2025

Chicago’s high commercial property taxes hurt both businesses and homeowners. The result is less business, fewer jobs and growing inequality across communities.

TAGS: property taxes

Madigan tops naughty list of Illinois’ federal corruption targets in 2024

By Patrick Andriesen

12/24/2024

The nation’s longest-serving legislative speaker, a woman who called herself “super mayor” and a collection of other self-serving public servants are among the highest-profile corruption cases in decades. Here’s the naughty list for 2024.

TAGS: corruption

Ford Heights

Lawmakers punt on housing supply as prices up 48% since 2019

Illinois housing shortage prices many out of homeownership

Cook County TIFs cost taxpayers over $2 billion

Illinois home prices rising, inventory nearly half

Naughty list includes state lawmakers, county leaders, mayors

Here’s why buying an Illinois home can be hard

Every Illinois metro has fewer homes for sale than in 2018

Illinois home prices up nearly 50% since 2018, inventory low

Chicago’s commercial property taxes 2X U.S. city average, kill opportunity

Madigan tops naughty list of Illinois’ federal corruption targets in 2024

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

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