Cook County has largest population loss of any county in the U.S.

By Michael Lucci

03/23/2017

Newly released census data show 89 of Illinois’ 102 counties, and most of the state’s metro areas, have shrinking populations due to out-migration.

TAGS: Chicago, Cook County, outmigration, population, U.S. Census Bureau

Lawmakers and special interests propose revamped EDGE tax credit program

By Brendan Bakala

03/20/2017

As state debts mount and budget plans remain in limbo, Illinois lawmakers move to expand EDGE tax credits.

TAGS: cronyism, DCEO: Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Michael Zalewski, tax credits

Instead of a tax hike, consolidate Illinois’ 7,000 units of local government

By Brendan Bakala

01/26/2017

As lawmakers consider massive tax hikes on Illinoisans, they should look to consolidate nearly 7,000 units of local government and to cut their high administrative costs.

TAGS: education, local government consolidation, property taxes

Illinois: Plenty of pumpkins, not enough people

10/24/2016

Illinois ranks as the top pumpkin producer in the country, which isn’t much of a consolation given the state’s poor performance in almost every economic category.

TAGS: agriculture, jobs, outmigration

Foreclosures in Chicago suburbs nearly double in past year

By Illinois News Network

09/13/2016

One in every 1,100 homes in Illinois is in bank-owned foreclosure.

TAGS: property taxes

Rauner signs bill to allow McHenry, Lake counties to consolidate units of local government

08/25/2016

A new law signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner on Aug. 5 gives McHenry and Lake counties the authority to consolidate and dissolve units of local government within their boundaries, a power granted to DuPage County in 2013.

TAGS: consolidation, local government, local government consolidation

Illinoisans revolt against nation’s highest property taxes

By Austin Berg

06/30/2016

Illinoisans face the highest median property-tax rate in the nation.

TAGS: outmigration, property taxes

Gov. Bruce Rauner: Illinois can save $500M on purchases

By Mark Fitton

02/05/2016

Streamlining the way Illinois buys goods and services could save the state $500 million annually.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner

4 Illinois municipalities earn Sunshine award, multiple municipalities fail government transparency audit

By Brian Costin

11/19/2014

Wilmette is a fantastic example of a community going above and beyond to promote online transparency for citizens.

TAGS: good government, municipal government, Sunshine Award

The Good, the bad and the ugly: Three new state laws for 2014

By Bryant Jackson-Green

12/28/2013

A new year brings new laws – good, bad and ugly – in Illinois. There’s a lot of them, but here are three in particular that stand out. The Good: Speed limit raised to 70 mph One piece of good news is that the state speed limit has been raised to a maximum of 70...

McHenry

Cook County has largest population loss of any county in the U.S.

Lawmakers and special interests propose revamped EDGE tax credit program

Instead of a tax hike, consolidate Illinois’ 7,000 units of local government

Illinois: Plenty of pumpkins, not enough people

Foreclosures in Chicago suburbs nearly double in past year

Rauner signs bill to allow McHenry, Lake counties to consolidate units of local government

Illinoisans revolt against nation’s highest property taxes

Gov. Bruce Rauner: Illinois can save $500M on purchases

4 Illinois municipalities earn Sunshine award, multiple municipalities fail government transparency audit

The Good, the bad and the ugly: Three new state laws for 2014

Fighting poverty with employment: Chicago block clubs

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