Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s motorcade racks up moving violations

By Dylan Sharkey

02/14/2024

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s drivers accumulated 14 traffic tickets for speeding or running red lights – with 12 still unpaid – totaling $1,640.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, Chicago

Vallas: Chicago needs a public safety act to counter SAFE-T Act

By Paul Vallas

02/01/2024

Chicago's rampant crime is not getting attention from city leaders. It is getting worse thanks to the SAFE-T Act. To fix that, city leaders need their own public safety act. And soon.

TAGS: Chicago, crime

Illinois shorts higher ed by nearly $530M compared to 15 years ago

By Patrick Andriesen

02/01/2024

Illinois’ institutions of higher education will get nearly $530 million less from lawmakers to run this year than they did in fiscal year 2009, adjusted for inflation. Coupled with rapidly rising pensions, students and their families can expect ever-higher tuition costs.

Illinois still hasn’t finalized contract with state workers

By Mailee Smith

12/14/2023

The contract negotiated between the state and AFSCME Council 31 was ratified by members in July. But the final contract has yet to be released, meaning taxpayers don’t yet know how much it will cost them.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

3 ways Chicago Mayor Johnson is likely to repay unions for bankrolling him

By Mailee Smith

08/24/2023

Nearly 83% of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s funding has been from unions, according to data obtained from Illinois Sunshine. More than half of that came from teachers unions. Here are three ways we could see him pay them back.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Lollapalooza ticket price up to $392 higher with Chicago tax

By Patrick Andriesen

07/27/2023

The typical concertgoer will pay an extra $35 for their general admission ticket to Lollapalooza, thanks to the city’s amusment tax. A platinum pass will cost visitors more than the price of a standard ticket in taxes alone.

TAGS: Chicago, Lollapalooza

NASCAR ticket price up to $272 higher thanks to Chicago tax

By Patrick Andriesen

06/13/2023

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.

TAGS: NASCAR

Nearly 3-in-5 Chicagoans voted early or by mail in Feb. 28 primary

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

04/05/2023

Chicago Board of Elections stats show nearly 57% Chicagoans voted early or by mail in the primary election Feb. 28. Almost three times more voters cast their ballot by mail than during the 2o19 primary.

TAGS: vote-by-mail

Illinois already has most extreme labor laws in U.S.

By Mailee Smith, Hannah Schmid

11/04/2022

Illinois law already allows some government union contracts to override state law. Amendment 1 would allow all government union contracts to do so.

TAGS: Amendment 1, labor, unions, workers rights amendment

Illinoisans get just 20% of promised tax rebates after nearly a month

By Dylan Sharkey

10/17/2022

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s election-year budget includes one-time property tax rebate checks so far averaging $200 per homeowner. Only a fraction of the rebate checks have been mailed.

Freedom of Information Act

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s motorcade racks up moving violations

Vallas: Chicago needs a public safety act to counter SAFE-T Act

Illinois shorts higher ed by nearly $530M compared to 15 years ago

Illinois still hasn’t finalized contract with state workers

3 ways Chicago Mayor Johnson is likely to repay unions for bankrolling him

Lollapalooza ticket price up to $392 higher with Chicago tax

NASCAR ticket price up to $272 higher thanks to Chicago tax

Nearly 3-in-5 Chicagoans voted early or by mail in Feb. 28 primary

Illinois already has most extreme labor laws in U.S.

Illinoisans get just 20% of promised tax rebates after nearly a month

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