A look at Halloween trick-or-treat times in Illinois

By Todd J. Behme

10/26/2026

Halloween trick-or-treat hours across Illinois vary, but generally fall during the dinner hour.

Mandating unaffordability: How Chicago’s housing affordability requirements decrease supply and increase costs

By Josh Bandoch, LyLena Estabine

10/01/2025

As housing prices continue to soar out of reach for more Americans, an impulse from policy makers across the country has been to attempt to mandate “affordable” prices through legislation. One common idea is rent control, which limits how much landlords can increase rents on residents. A related one is inclusionary zoning, which forces developers...

Oak Park natural gas ban faces legal challenge

By Jerry Barmore

07/24/2025

In 2024, Oak Park, Illinois, went where Mayor Brandon Johnson tried to take Chicago – banning all natural gas connections in new building projects. The high cost of this inconsequential, feel-good move is getting legal pushback.

Pekin passes grocery tax, taking away $1M in savings for shoppers

By Dylan Sharkey

11/15/2024

Pekin and Normal have joined the list of local governments passing ordinances to replace the 1% statewide grocery tax when it expires.

TAGS: grocery tax

Palos Park, another Chicago suburb might tax residents’ groceries

By Dylan Sharkey

11/07/2024

Palos Park residents have a chance to save 1% on groceries starting in 2026, but the City Council is considering taking that away and taxing groceries. A series of towns are considering a local grocery tax.

TAGS: grocery tax

Illinois sales taxes 7th highest in U.S.

By Dylan Sharkey, Kurtis Karg

09/10/2024

Illinois’ combined state and average local sales tax is the seventh highest in the nation. It is the highest among the most populous states.

TAGS: sales tax

Highland could be first Illinois city to add a local grocery tax

By Dylan Sharkey

08/28/2024

Illinois’ statewide grocery tax is on its way out, but your local government may add its own. Highland, Illinois, could be the first to do so.

TAGS: grocery tax

River Forest considering local grocery tax hike

By Dylan Sharkey

08/26/2024

Illinois is cutting the statewide grocery tax, but some local governments may reestablish it. One Chicago suburb is already moving in that direction. Its neighbor will let taxpayers keep their grocery money.

TAGS: grocery 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...

Editorial: State lawmakers in Springfield pass bill to cut off competition in 78 races

By Hilary Gowins

05/06/2024

Why did SB 2412 need to pass on May 2, in the middle of the election cycle, weeks after the primary election but still well ahead of the November general election? Many candidates had already started the complicated process of petition gathering and paperwork under the old rules. What justifies changing those rules in the middle of the game?

TAGS: election laws

Oak Park

A look at Halloween trick-or-treat times in Illinois

Mandating unaffordability: How Chicago’s housing affordability requirements decrease supply and increase costs

Oak Park natural gas ban faces legal challenge

Pekin passes grocery tax, taking away $1M in savings for shoppers

Palos Park, another Chicago suburb might tax residents’ groceries

Illinois sales taxes 7th highest in U.S.

Highland could be first Illinois city to add a local grocery tax

River Forest considering local grocery tax hike

Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families

Editorial: State lawmakers in Springfield pass bill to cut off competition in 78 races

Who Lives Below the Poverty Line in Illinois? Family Structure and Education Mark the Highest Risk

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