Because of pensions, Chicago pays $157 for $100 of payroll

By Adam Gorcyca

09/10/2026

A history of financial mismanagement has left the city putting in 57% of covered payroll for pensions, but even that’s not enough.

A look at bond referendums for voters in four school districts

By Jessica Rehberg

08/18/2026

Voters in school districts in St. Charles, Algonquin, Oswego and downstate Mahomet-Seymour will decide whether to approve borrowing for facility improvements.

TAGS: public schools

Solutions for vacant lots would reduce crime and poverty in Chicago

By LyLena Estabine

08/17/2026

Reducing property taxes and bureaucratic holdups will lead to safer communities and more economic opportunities on Chicago's South and West sides.

Why No One is Selling Homes in Illinois

07/31/2026

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Illinois? From sky-high property taxes to confusing new commission rules, navigating the real estate market is tougher than ever.

Chicago area shows highest rent increase among top 10 metros

By Grace Hansen

07/30/2026

Year-over-year rents rose in Illinois while falling nationwide. Champaign-Urbana posted the country’s fourth-highest increase.

Why an Illinois home costs almost $100,000 more than it did before COVID

By Katie Crain

07/15/2026

The state’s housing prices soar as its supply of homes for sale remains far behind the nation’s.

Illinois lawmakers finally pass bill to end home equity theft

By Joe Tabor

07/10/2026

The state finally passed legislation to comply with a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the government may not keep surplus equity when property is sold for unpaid taxes.

Poll: Taxes, economy top concerns for Illinoisans 

By Todd J. Behme

06/22/2026

A recent survey also shows that fully half of residents would move out of the state given the opportunity.

Vallas: Pritzker signs a budget giving Illinois tax hikes, higher spending

By Paul Vallas

06/17/2026

Eight years of the governor’s budgets have exposed the cost of spending-driven budgeting and repeated tax hikes.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Lawmakers punt on housing supply as prices up 48% since 2019

By LyLena Estabine

06/04/2026

The state’s home prices have jumped 48% while housing for sale has plummeted.

Property tax

Because of pensions, Chicago pays $157 for $100 of payroll

A look at bond referendums for voters in four school districts

Solutions for vacant lots would reduce crime and poverty in Chicago

Why No One is Selling Homes in Illinois

Chicago area shows highest rent increase among top 10 metros

Why an Illinois home costs almost $100,000 more than it did before COVID

Illinois lawmakers finally pass bill to end home equity theft

Poll: Taxes, economy top concerns for Illinoisans

Vallas: Pritzker signs a budget giving Illinois tax hikes, higher spending

Lawmakers punt on housing supply as prices up 48% since 2019

What is the Education Freedom Tax Credit and how can it benefit 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