Illinois state lawmakers boost their own pay

By Lilly Rossi

01/19/2026

Taxpayers usually get told what raise they will receive. They also get told what raises they will give: to state lawmakers, and by those same lawmakers.

Illinois lawmakers to tackle Chicago Bears stadium, pensions, taxes

By Lilly Rossi

01/13/2026

Expect a progressive tax, higher education spending and a Bears stadium to be high on the agenda for Illinois state lawmakers.

Soybeans, organ donors, flags, reading get new Illinois laws

By Lilly Rossi

12/23/2025

Illinois lawmakers ensure residents ring in the New Year with nearly 300 new laws. A state bean, reading and where to place U.S. flags addressed.

Lawmaker gifts this holiday season? Illinois has rules.

By Lilly Rossi

12/22/2025

There are limits on gift giving to Illinois state lawmakers, but there are exceptions. Here’s where the state draws the line between generosity and graft.

Nearly 30,000 Chicago teachers are caught in pension trap

By LyLena Estabine

12/01/2025

Half of retired Chicago pensioners make more than average working Illinoisans, but nearly 30,000 teachers won’t be eligible for more than a contribution refund.

Chicago’s high sales taxes about to increase to No. 1 in nation

By Ravi Mishra

11/11/2025

Chicago-area sales taxes were already No. 2 in the U.S., but new taxing authority handed to the Regional Transportation Authority will raise them to No. 1.

Cook County property tax bills finally getting mailed, due Dec. 15

By Patrick Andriesen

11/10/2025

Cook County leaders announced the second installment of property tax bills will be mailed by Nov. 14 with a Dec. 15 due date.

TAGS: Chicago, property taxes

Illinois punishes independents, meaning just 1 got on 2024 ballot

By Patrick Andriesen

11/09/2025

Illinois puts lots of restrictions on independent candidates. Just one got on the 2024 ballot in 155 races.

Pritzker vetoes 5th lowest of 16 Democrat-controlled states

By Lilly Rossi

11/04/2025

In Illinois, 99% of state bills passed by the Democratic supermajority become law with no objection by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Democracy suffers without checks and balances.

$53 billion pension spike advances during last-minute veto session

By Bryce Hill

10/31/2025

A bill that would increase Tier 2 pension benefits was passed out of Illinois House Executive Committee on Oct 30.

Illinois General Assembly

Illinois state lawmakers boost their own pay

Illinois lawmakers to tackle Chicago Bears stadium, pensions, taxes

Soybeans, organ donors, flags, reading get new Illinois laws

Lawmaker gifts this holiday season? Illinois has rules.

Nearly 30,000 Chicago teachers are caught in pension trap

Chicago’s high sales taxes about to increase to No. 1 in nation

Cook County property tax bills finally getting mailed, due Dec. 15

Illinois punishes independents, meaning just 1 got on 2024 ballot

Pritzker vetoes 5th lowest of 16 Democrat-controlled states

$53 billion pension spike advances during last-minute veto session

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

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