Illinois considers repealing business tax responsible for big headaches, little revenue

By Dylan Sharkey, Bryce Hill

02/24/2025

A new bill would repeal an outdated Illinois business tax. The franchise tax is tough to calculate, most businesses don’t owe it and it generates little revenue in a state that already hits businesses hard with other taxes.

Chicago mayor wants to borrow $830M, which could benefit his Chicago Teachers Union cronies

By Dylan Sharkey

02/21/2025

Mayor Brandon Johnson asked to borrow $830 million one day after the city’s credit rating dipping to near-junk status. He would have broad discretion over how to spend the money – including on his friends at the Chicago Teachers Union.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

International migrants boost Illinois, New York, California populations, but don’t expect them to stay

By Bryce Hill

02/20/2025

Illinois and other states with sanctuary cities saw large influxes of international migrants in recent years. But historical data shows the new arrivals may soon move out for the same reasons other residents have.

Illinois gasoline taxes 2nd highest in nation

By Dylan Sharkey

02/20/2025

Illinoisans pay the second-highest gas taxes in the nation at more than $0.84 per gallon. Only California charges its drivers more.

TAGS: gas tax

Pritzker’s magic beans: Growing a record-setting $55B Illinois budget

By Bryce Hill

02/19/2025

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker invoked a fairy tale about magic beans and a giant during his annual state of the state and budget address. Too bad he forgot to take an ax to the giant, record-setting budget he has grown by $16.7 billion since taking office.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Food assistance need grows 12% in Illinois since 2019

By Lauren Zuar

02/19/2025

Nearly 2 million Illinoisans, with around half in Cook County, relied on federal food assistance in October 2024, marking a 12% increase in five years.

TAGS: SNAP

Rockford declared hottest housing market in U.S., but low supply is real story

By LyLena Estabine

02/19/2025

Rockford recently made headlines as the nation’s hottest housing market, but the real story is low supply is driving up prices. Changing zoning laws could spur development that would ease the shortage and prices.

State lawmakers want to spike Illinois’ public pension benefits by $60B

By LyLena Estabine

02/19/2025

Pension experts projected state lawmakers’ plans to drastically expand benefits for newer employees would add $60 billion to the state’s pension liability. Illinois is already $143.7 billion in the pension hole.

Illinois Democrats again attack parents’ rights to choose best education for their children

By Hannah Schmid

02/18/2025

Democratic state lawmakers are making another attack on parents’ rights and educational choice in Illinois. A bill would require homeschooling parents to file annual reports to avoid truancy charges, be credentialed and have their curriculum reviewed.

Pritzker at 50% approval ahead of Illinois budget address

By Dylan Sharkey

02/18/2025

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s favorability is at exactly 50% ahead of his annual budget address, a chance to win over the 46% of voters with an unfavorable opinion of him. But based on his history of aggressive spending and taxation, what are the odds?

TAGS: budget, JB Pritzker

Illinois

Illinois considers repealing business tax responsible for big headaches, little revenue

Chicago mayor wants to borrow $830M, which could benefit his Chicago Teachers Union cronies

International migrants boost Illinois, New York, California populations, but don’t expect them to stay

Illinois gasoline taxes 2nd highest in nation

Pritzker’s magic beans: Growing a record-setting $55B Illinois budget

Food assistance need grows 12% in Illinois since 2019

Rockford declared hottest housing market in U.S., but low supply is real story

State lawmakers want to spike Illinois’ public pension benefits by $60B

Illinois Democrats again attack parents’ rights to choose best education for their children

Pritzker at 50% approval ahead of Illinois budget address

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