Transit fares frozen as Chicago drivers hit with 45-cent toll hikes

By Ravi Mishra

11/11/2025

The transit rescue plan freezes fares, raises tolls, hikes sales taxes and diverts road funds – adding to taxpayers’ burdens.

Chicago’s high sales taxes about to increase to No. 1 in nation

By Ravi Mishra

11/11/2025

Chicago-area sales taxes were already No. 2 in the U.S., but new taxing authority handed to the Regional Transportation Authority will raise them to No. 1.

Baker & Taylor library supplier closing, laying off 318

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

11/10/2025

A major library supplier formerly employing 1,500 will cease operations at the end of the year, laying off 318 workers in October at its Momence distribution center.

TAGS: jobs, unemployment

Cook County property tax bills finally getting mailed, due Dec. 15

By Patrick Andriesen

11/10/2025

Cook County leaders announced the second installment of property tax bills will be mailed by Nov. 14 with a Dec. 15 due date.

TAGS: Chicago, property taxes

Chicago Teachers Union radicalism is officially statewide

By Lilly Rossi

11/10/2025

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates is bringing her militant agenda to 200 more school districts as president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, IFT: Illinois Federation of Teachers

Illinois punishes independents, meaning just 1 got on 2024 ballot

By Patrick Andriesen

11/09/2025

Illinois puts lots of restrictions on independent candidates. Just one got on the 2024 ballot in 155 races.

Illinois drops 6 spots in 6 years for tax competitiveness

By Patrick Andriesen

11/07/2025

Illinois’ state tax competitiveness ranking dropped six spots – from 32nd to 38th in the past six years. That’s the worst in the Midwest.

Madigan’s corruption doesn’t deserve an oil portrait

By Lilly Rossi

11/06/2025

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption conviction means capturing his likeness in a portrait would be tax dollars poorly spent, one lawmaker says.

TAGS: Mike Madigan

Illinois parents, taxpayers shut out when teacher strikes threatened

By Lilly Rossi

11/06/2025

Teachers unions threaten to strike, then use that leverage in secret negotiations. Parents, taxpayers don’t know the contract’s price until it’s too late.

Low-income students 16 points below Illinois average

By Hannah Schmid

11/05/2025

New Illinois State Board of Education data shows low-income and minority public school students are struggling, scoring well below average.

Illinois

Transit fares frozen as Chicago drivers hit with 45-cent toll hikes

Chicago’s high sales taxes about to increase to No. 1 in nation

Baker & Taylor library supplier closing, laying off 318

Cook County property tax bills finally getting mailed, due Dec. 15

Chicago Teachers Union radicalism is officially statewide

Illinois punishes independents, meaning just 1 got on 2024 ballot

Illinois drops 6 spots in 6 years for tax competitiveness

Madigan’s corruption doesn’t deserve an oil portrait

Illinois parents, taxpayers shut out when teacher strikes threatened

Low-income students 16 points below Illinois average

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