Illinois shoppers pay highest sales tax in Midwest, 8th in nation

By Dylan Sharkey

02/09/2023

Illinoisans shopping for Valentine’s Day will pay the highest sales tax in the Midwest and eighth-highest in the nation.

TAGS: sales tax

State retirees get nearly 40% more than what working Illinoisans earn

By Patrick Andriesen

02/01/2023

The typical career state worker collected $82,478 in annual pension benefits, recouping more income in 17 months of retirement than they contributed over 35 years. Working Illinoisans only earned $59,650 a year.

TAGS: Illinois, pensions

Lightfoot 2nd Chicago mayor to call on Springfield for pension reform

By Patrick Andriesen

01/31/2023

Just like Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel did late in his term, Mayor Lori Lightfoot is calling for public pension reforms. Pensions are damaging cities, she said.

TAGS: Chicago, pensions

4 steps to rid Illinois Statehouse of Madigan’s corrupt legacy

By Joe Tabor

01/19/2023

Now that the 103rd Illinois General Assembly is sworn in, an early order of business will be to establish the rules of the chambers. Those rules need more reform to ensure another Mike Madigan doesn’t gather too much power.

TAGS: house rules, Mike Madigan

SAFE-T Act’s end to cash bail paused by Illinois Supreme Court

By Patrick Andriesen

01/02/2023

The Illinois Supreme Court stayed a provision of the SAFE-T Act set to take effect Jan. 1 that would have eliminated cash bail statewide after a county judge ruled it would violate the state constitution. The high court said it planned an “expedited” review.

TAGS: SAFE-T Act

DCFS held kids in hospitals for months beyond doctors’ orders

By Dylan Sharkey

12/01/2022

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services held kids in psychiatric hospitals for far longer than needed because the agency couldn’t find them housing.

TAGS: DCFS: Department of Children and Family Services

Who is running for judge in Illinois?

By Aimee Morrissey, Perry Zhao, Joe Tabor

11/03/2022

On Nov. 8, Illinoisans will vote for important judge positions, including three Illinois Supreme Court justices and 16 appellate court judges. Their decisions impact daily life, yet about 25% of voters leave their ballots blank when they get to the judges.

TAGS: election, judges

Crain’s becomes 5th major newspaper to say vote ‘no’ on Amendment 1

By Dylan Sharkey

11/02/2022

Crain’s Chicago Business’ editorial board is endorsing a ‘no’ vote on Amendment 1. Two Crain’s columnists did so, also, because of the unchecked power it would grant government unions.

TAGS: workers rights amendment

3 business groups say voters need to reject Amendment 1 to fix Illinois

By Patrick Andriesen

10/31/2022

The Illinois Manufacturers Association president warned Amendment 1 would tie lawmakers’ hands from pursuing fiscal reform. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce president said it would decrease business investment and the Technology and Manufacturing Association of Illinois is worried about property tax increases.

TAGS: Amendment 1

Cook County voters face 2 property tax hike proposals

10/04/2022

Both forest preserve leaders and government unions are asking Cook County voters for more property taxes on Nov. 8.

TAGS: Cook County, property taxes

Illinois Supreme Court

Illinois shoppers pay highest sales tax in Midwest, 8th in nation

State retirees get nearly 40% more than what working Illinoisans earn

Lightfoot 2nd Chicago mayor to call on Springfield for pension reform

4 steps to rid Illinois Statehouse of Madigan’s corrupt legacy

SAFE-T Act’s end to cash bail paused by Illinois Supreme Court

DCFS held kids in hospitals for months beyond doctors’ orders

Who is running for judge in Illinois?

Crain’s becomes 5th major newspaper to say vote ‘no’ on Amendment 1

3 business groups say voters need to reject Amendment 1 to fix Illinois

Cook County voters face 2 property tax hike proposals

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