Half of states let cities declare bankruptcy. Here’s why Illinois might want to.

By Lilly Rossi

03/05/2025

Illinois has some of the highest property taxes in the country. Chapter 9 would allow local governments to address the root cause.

Illinois Democrats again attack parents’ rights to choose best education for their children

By Hannah Schmid

02/18/2025

Democratic state lawmakers are making another attack on parents’ rights and educational choice in Illinois. A bill would require homeschooling parents to file annual reports to avoid truancy charges, be credentialed and have their curriculum reviewed.

Felon Madigan should repay taxpayers nearly $600K for public pension

02/13/2025

Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan was convicted of misusing his public office for his own power and profit. Not only should his public pension be halted, he should repay the nearly $600,000 taxpayers already paid the felon.

TAGS: corruption, Mike Madigan, pensions

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

By Joe Tabor

02/10/2025

Published Feb. 10, 2025 Even though federal COVID relief funds provided an unexpected windfall, that one-time jolt of cash could leave many Illinois localities even worse off than they were before. That boost in revenue allowed local governments to put off difficult budgeting decisions, and as that revenue dries up, municipalities will have to contend...

Suburban Chicago mayor calls for pension reform

By Dylan Sharkey

11/27/2024

Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson said state lawmakers need to step in and help fix public pensions. Pension debt is the biggest driver of Illinois’ property taxes, which are the second-highest in the nation.

TAGS: pension reform

First Illinois voters to be asked overwhelmingly back public pension reform

By Patrick Andriesen

11/05/2024

Barrington Township became the first local government in Illinois to back changing the Illinois Constitution so public pensions can be brought under control. While essentially an opinion poll, the overwhelming approval shows elected leaders must address this issue.

TAGS: pensions, taxes

Who is running for judge in Illinois in 2024?

By Joe Tabor

10/17/2024

On Nov. 5 Illinoisans will vote to elect two Illinois Supreme Court justices and nine appellate court justices, and whether to retain four sitting appellate court justices.

TAGS: Election Day

What you need to know about advisory questions on Illinois ballots

By Joe Tabor

10/03/2024

Illinoisans will be asked to vote on three advisory questions in the election Nov. 5. Here is what voters should know.

Illinois early voting starts as vote-by-mail ballots go out

By Patrick Andriesen

09/26/2024

With 40 days until the election, Illinois residents can vote early at their local county clerks’ office. Vote-by-mail ballots should arrive soon, but there is still time to apply for one.

TAGS: early voting, vote-by-mail

How do I register to vote in Illinois?

By Patrick Andriesen

09/19/2024

Registering to vote in Illinois can be confusing. Here is what you need to know to make sure your voice is heard this Election Day.

TAGS: Election Day

Illinois Supreme Court

Half of states let cities declare bankruptcy. Here’s why Illinois might want to.

Illinois Democrats again attack parents’ rights to choose best education for their children

Felon Madigan should repay taxpayers nearly $600K for public pension

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

Suburban Chicago mayor calls for pension reform

First Illinois voters to be asked overwhelmingly back public pension reform

Who is running for judge in Illinois in 2024?

What you need to know about advisory questions on Illinois ballots

Illinois early voting starts as vote-by-mail ballots go out

How do I register to vote in Illinois?

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

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