Vallas: Legislation buys CTA time to fix itself, but will it?

By Paul Vallas

11/04/2025

New taxes buy the Chicago Transit Authority some time, but state lawmakers failed fix anything that led to the crisis. Here are three ways city leaders can fix the CTA.

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.

Illinois, Chicago voters rank high taxes as No. 1 issue

By Patrick Andriesen

11/04/2025

More than half of Illinois voters and one-third of Chicago voters said high taxes were their No. 1 concern. Despite that, Springfield and Chicago politicians both are hiking taxes again to spend more.

Illinois lifts nuclear ban, but tightens grip on energy supply

By Ravi Mishra

10/31/2025

Lawmakers pass a bill to end the ban on large nuclear plants but include plans on expanding state control over energy.

$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.

How many people in your county can’t access SNAP after Nov.1?

By Lauren Zuar

10/31/2025

If the federal government shutdown continues, millions of Illinoisans could lose access to critical food aid after Nov. 1.

Illinois lawmakers hike toll roads and sales taxes to fund Chicago-area transit

By Dylan Sharkey, Ravi Mishra

10/31/2025

Illinois lawmakers passed a new plan to keep Chicago-area public transit running. The plan hikes sales taxes in the Chicago area but stops major service cuts for the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace.

Capital One leads Illinois mass layoffs as companies announce 1,722 job cuts

By Patrick Andriesen

10/30/2025

Illinois companies announced 1,722 mass layoffs in September, with restructuring at Capital One leading to the single largest loss of jobs statewide.

Illinois facing lawsuits over property tax theft

By LyLena Estabine

10/30/2025

Lawsuits are mounting from homeowners, investors and counties. Unless lawmakers act, taxpayers could pay millions in damages over Illinois' unconstitutional tax sale system.

Just 2-in-5 Chicago students read at grade level under lowered proficiency standards

By Hannah Schmid

10/30/2025

Chicago Public Schools students struggle in reading and math as just 2-in-5 read at grade level and about 1-in-4 do math proficiently. And that’s after Illinois lowered proficiency standards to make the numbers look better.

Illinois

Vallas: Legislation buys CTA time to fix itself, but will it?

Pritzker vetoes 5th lowest of 16 Democrat-controlled states

Illinois, Chicago voters rank high taxes as No. 1 issue

Illinois lifts nuclear ban, but tightens grip on energy supply

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

How many people in your county can’t access SNAP after Nov.1?

Illinois lawmakers hike toll roads and sales taxes to fund Chicago-area transit

Capital One leads Illinois mass layoffs as companies announce 1,722 job cuts

Illinois facing lawsuits over property tax theft

Just 2-in-5 Chicago students read at grade level under lowered proficiency standards

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