Chicago property taxes jump — but unevenly

By LyLena Estabine

03/05/2026

Some communities saw their bills rise 75% or more.

Voters had no choice in nearly 9-in-10 primary elections

By Patrick Andriesen

03/02/2026

Illinois voting data shows voters had no choice of candidate in nearly 9-in-10 Democratic and Republican primaries for state and federal office in 2024.

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

By Ravi Mishra, Tom Demmer

02/12/2026

Pro-growth policies and fiscal responsibility can ensure Illinois’ long-term budget health. Here’s how state leaders can do it.

Illinois lawmakers push bad housing fixes, but good options exist

By LyLena Estabine

01/29/2026

Subsidies and rent control will make Illinois’ housing shortage worse. Lawmakers should focus on how they can boost supply.

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.

Illinois General Assembly

Chicago property taxes jump — but unevenly

Voters had no choice in nearly 9-in-10 primary elections

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

Illinois lawmakers push bad housing fixes, but good options exist

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

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