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

Pritzker issues 39th emergency order as 43 states end covid policies

By Dylan Sharkey

02/08/2023

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker intends to extend his COVID-19 emergency powers until May 11. Illinois is 1 of only 7 states still claiming disaster status as a result of COVID-19.

TAGS: emergency powers, JB Pritzker

Illinoisans pay 2nd-highest local government fines, fees in nation

By Dylan Sharkey

02/08/2023

Illinoisans gave up $50 on average to fines and fees last year. That’s the second-most in the nation and almost double the U.S. average.

TAGS: fees, local government

Chicago restaurant crime along Red Line train highest near Loop stops

By Patrick Andriesen

02/07/2023

Each restaurant in the Chicago Loop along the “L” system’s Red Line averaged 1.2 crimes during 2021 and 2022, the most along the line. South of the Loop, there was less than one crime per restaurant.

TAGS: Chicago, crime, restaurants

Illinois Super Bowl bets expected to nearly double from 2021

By Dylan Sharkey

02/07/2023

Super Bowl betting will likely be a $1 million-plus revenue stream for a third consecutive year in Illinois. If the wagering projection is correct, the revenue could top $2 million on Sunday.

TAGS: Super Bowl

Illinois House bill would force Chicago grocers, gas stations to hire armed guards

By Dylan Sharkey

02/03/2023

A state lawmaker wants to force select Chicago businesses to hire full-time, armed security guards.

TAGS: Chicago, crime

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

Pritzker to end Illinois’ emergency orders after more than 3 years

By Dylan Sharkey

01/31/2023

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced he will follow President Biden and end Illinois’ disaster declarations on May 11. Most states long ago quit using emergency powers, leaving Illinois as 1 of 7 states still claiming COVID-19 is a public health emergency.

TAGS: COVID-19, JB Pritzker

Chicago Teachers Union spends $17M on Illinois political campaigns

By Mailee Smith, Jon Josko

01/26/2023

The Chicago Teachers Union has funneled more than $17 million to Illinois political committees since 2010, when the militant Caucus of Rank and File Educators took over leadership. Now, one of their employees is running for Chicago mayor.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

School Choice Week a reminder why Illinois families love the Invest in Kids Act

By Patrick Andriesen

01/26/2023

Thousands of parents, educators and organizations across the country renewed calls this week to expand school choice and give more options for students’ educations. But in Illinois, the state’s only school choice program is nearing its end.

TAGS: Illinois, Invest in Kids, School Choice Week

Illinois

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

Pritzker issues 39th emergency order as 43 states end covid policies

Illinoisans pay 2nd-highest local government fines, fees in nation

Chicago restaurant crime along Red Line train highest near Loop stops

Illinois Super Bowl bets expected to nearly double from 2021

Illinois House bill would force Chicago grocers, gas stations to hire armed guards

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

Pritzker to end Illinois’ emergency orders after more than 3 years

Chicago Teachers Union spends $17M on Illinois political campaigns

School Choice Week a reminder why Illinois families love the Invest in Kids Act

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