AT&T Illinois fined $23 million for buying Madigan influence

By Dylan Sharkey

10/18/2022

AT&T Illinois will pay a $23 million fine for illegally influencing former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Their former president, Paul La Schiazza, faces conspiracy charges.

TAGS: Mike Madigan

Report card: How’s Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker done in 4 years?

By Patrick Andriesen, Dylan Sharkey

10/17/2022

A review of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s term in Illinois’ highest office examines his track record beyond the campaign rhetoric. The second and final gubernatorial debate with opponent Darren Bailey is Oct. 18.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Illinoisans get just 20% of promised tax rebates after nearly a month

By Dylan Sharkey

10/17/2022

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s election-year budget includes one-time property tax rebate checks so far averaging $200 per homeowner. Only a fraction of the rebate checks have been mailed.

3rd anniversary of 2019 Chicago Teachers Union strike gives glimpse of Amendment 1

By Mailee Smith

10/17/2022

The Chicago Teachers Union has a history of demanding contract provisions far beyond wages and benefits. If Amendment 1 passes in November, government unions such as CTU will have a right to demand virtually anything and go on strike to get those demands met.

TAGS: Amendment 1, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago’s Fortune 500 headquarters are shrinking

By Dylan Sharkey

10/17/2022

Chicago has lost three Fortune 500 headquarters in 2022. McDonald’s could be the next to leave. Amendment 1 could make it more likely.

Minister sees ballot question as property tax threat after nearly losing home

10/14/2022

The Rev. Phalese Binion worked to help people find affordable housing, but she didn’t truly understand the property tax problem until she bought her own home. Now the former union member sees a new property tax threat from Amendment 1.

TAGS: Amendment 1

Pain of Illinois gas taxes felt as another price spike hits

By Dylan Sharkey

10/11/2022

OPEC decided to slow down oil production. Every state can expect higher gas prices, but Illinois taxes make the pain worse.

TAGS: gas prices, OPEC: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries

Top 3 myths told by Amendment 1 proponents

By Mailee Smith

10/10/2022

Proponents of Amendment 1 claim it applies to all workers, mimics other state constitutions and would help the economy. Wrong. Wrong. And wrong.

TAGS: Amendment 1, workers rights

Debate fact check: Property taxes haven’t gone down under Pritzker

By Dylan Sharkey

10/07/2022

Gov. J.B. Pritzker took the debate stage claiming property taxes in Illinois have gone down thanks to his administration. In truth, the average Illinois family is paying over $2,000 more in property taxes than before he took office.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, property taxes

Amendment 1 could lock in $1.8B commercial property tax hike

By Bryce Hill

10/07/2022

Statewide commercial property tax extensions are on pace to total $11.3 billion by 2026. Amendment 1’s expansion of government union power would likely accelerate that $1.8 billion increase.

TAGS: Amendment 1, property taxes

Illinois

AT&T Illinois fined $23 million for buying Madigan influence

Report card: How’s Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker done in 4 years?

Illinoisans get just 20% of promised tax rebates after nearly a month

3rd anniversary of 2019 Chicago Teachers Union strike gives glimpse of Amendment 1

Chicago’s Fortune 500 headquarters are shrinking

Minister sees ballot question as property tax threat after nearly losing home

Pain of Illinois gas taxes felt as another price spike hits

Top 3 myths told by Amendment 1 proponents

Debate fact check: Property taxes haven’t gone down under Pritzker

Amendment 1 could lock in $1.8B commercial property tax hike

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