Kit Kat, Twix are cheaper in Illinois because of tricky tax on treats

By Jerry Barmore

10/24/2024

Halloween shoppers can stay clear of Illinois’ spooky candy tax if they know the right candy to buy.

Apprenticeships can be lifeline for 177,000 idle Illinois youth

By Lauren Zuar

10/10/2024

Apprenticeships are a great alternative to a college degree, and there is high demand in Illinois. They can help the 177,000 Illinois youths who are out of work and out of school.

Building not permitted: Building permits in Illinois are a barrier to housing affordability

By Joe Tabor

09/26/2024

Published Sept. 26, 2024 Illinois is in the midst of a housing affordability crisis. Over a third of residents are considered “burdened” by housing costs, meaning they pay over 30% of their income on costs related to housing. That is a greater portion of residents burdened by housing than any other state in the Midwest....

Downstate areas lag Chicago, Midwest in house building permits

By Joe Tabor

07/22/2024

Out of 90 Midwestern metropolitan areas, Illinois has four in the bottom 10 for new housing per capita in 2023. Housing affordability is directly linked to getting units built.

TAGS: housing

How much does your town make from marijuana tax?

By Kurtis Karg

07/10/2024

Cannabis tax revenue is stalling statewide in Illinois, but communities still see a tax benefit. See how much your town took in during the past 12 months.

TAGS: cannabis, tax

Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families  

By Josh Bandoch, Joe Tabor

07/09/2024

Published July 9, 2024 America is facing a housing affordability crisis. According to a 2022 survey, 73% of Americans said the average person could not afford a home in their area, and 69% were worried about their children and grandchildren being able to afford a home. That’s unfair. Everyone deserves a good roof over their...

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

By John Tillman

07/04/2024

Fourth of July? No. We should always call it Independence Day to remember what we celebrate and what it means.

TAGS: freedom, Illinois, Independence Day

Literacy in Illinois: Low third-grade reading proficiency warns of trouble ahead

By Hannah Schmid

05/30/2024

Third grade marks a critical reading milestone: if students struggle then, they will face greater problems during the rest of their educations. State data shows 7 of 10 Illinois third graders can’t read at grade level, meaning there’s trouble awaiting most Illinois students.

TAGS: public schools

How does Illinois spend millions in cannabis cash?

By Dylan Sharkey

04/15/2024

In Illinois’ fifth year of recreational cannabis sales, it’s already made nearly $180 million in tax revenue. But it is losing sales to neighboring states with lower taxes.

Bill would give Illinois voters power to change how state is run

By Dylan Sharkey

02/15/2024

Illinois lawmakers will consider expanding the power for citizens to amend the Illinois Constitution through petitions, including for issues such as term limits and to end gerrymandering.

TAGS: Illinois Constitution

Michigan

Kit Kat, Twix are cheaper in Illinois because of tricky tax on treats

Apprenticeships can be lifeline for 177,000 idle Illinois youth

Building not permitted: Building permits in Illinois are a barrier to housing affordability

Downstate areas lag Chicago, Midwest in house building permits

How much does your town make from marijuana tax?

Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

Literacy in Illinois: Low third-grade reading proficiency warns of trouble ahead

How does Illinois spend millions in cannabis cash?

Bill would give Illinois voters power to change how state is run

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

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