Illinois Forward 2024: A sustainable state budget plan

By Bryce Hill

02/14/2023

After years of enhanced revenue from federal aid, a return to the basic principles of budgeting can put Illinois on the path to long-term financial stability

Big batteries to store renewable energy create fire hazard

By Dylan Sharkey

02/14/2023

As Illinois pushes for more renewable energy, it comes with a fire hazard risk at battery storage centers. A battery storage facility explosion in Arizona hurt eight firefighters. There have been three other fires.

Next Chicago mayor needs to put students ahead of politics

By Mailee Smith

02/13/2023

The incoming mayor will inherit a troubled Chicago Public Schools system, a strike-happy Chicago Teachers Union with an expiring contract, and a transition to a fully elected school board. Whoever is elected must put kids first.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Pritzker signs bill allowing Chicago Public Schools principals to unionize

By Mailee Smith

02/11/2023

Chicago Public Schools principals already make nearly 30% more than their peers in the rest of the state. A newly signed law allows them to unionize and push for even more.

TAGS: government unions

Illinois Senate Bill would allow noncitizen parents, guardians to vote in school board elections

By Dylan Sharkey

02/10/2023

Illinois lawmakers are considering granting noncitizens the right to vote in school board elections if their children are in the school district. Registering to vote would come with a warning about possible risks under U.S. immigration law.

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

Illinois Forward 2024: A sustainable state budget plan

Big batteries to store renewable energy create fire hazard

Next Chicago mayor needs to put students ahead of politics

Pritzker signs bill allowing Chicago Public Schools principals to unionize

Illinois Senate Bill would allow noncitizen parents, guardians to vote in school board elections

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

Taxed out: 10 reforms to stop Illinois from losing people and jobs

Report Archive

Take advantage of the various ways to vote

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students