Ruling shows Illinois must address home equity theft

By Joe Tabor

05/14/2026

A federal judge found Cook County liable for damages to taxpayers who lost the equity in their homes because of an unconstitutional state law.

Illinois combined state, local tax rate tops the country

By Brennan Park

05/13/2026

The amount of state and local taxes paid here also is near the nation’s highest.

Unfair policies shut kids out of extracurriculars

By Mailee Smith

05/05/2026

Illinois law is inclusive, but some districts aren’t. Find out where yours lands.

Five reasons school districts shouldn’t lock students out of extracurriculars

By Mailee Smith

05/05/2026

More than 160 districts in Illinois bar participation by those who aren’t full-time students in their schools.

Pritzker’s 57 tax and fee hikes cost Illinoisans $77 billion

By Ravi Mishra

04/28/2026

The governor has presided over $77 billion in increases while Illinois’ economic growth lags.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Illinois housing shortage prices many out of homeownership

By LyLena Estabine

04/27/2026

Property taxes and restrictive zoning are driving the state’s housing crisis. New laws could help spur more construction.

Highest-earning Illinoisans fleeing state at fastest rate

By Bryce Hill

04/21/2026

Residents of all age and income groups move out, but those making over $200,000 lead the departures.

TAGS: outmigration

Bears deal will be a top priority for lawmakers upon return

By Bryce Hill

04/07/2026

Legislators face enormous pressure to finalize a megaprojects bill that would spell disaster for taxpayers.

TAGS: Chicago Bears

Cook County TIFs cost taxpayers over $2 billion

By LyLena Estabine

04/01/2026

By freezing property values in a specific area, TIF districts artificially manipulate who pays the levy, leading to effective property tax hikes.

TAGS: TIF: Tax Increment Financing

Just 4-in-5 businesses from 2015 likely still open in your Chicago neighborhood

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

09/26/2025

Chicago lost nearly 1-in-5 businesses between 2015 and 2024, translating to nearly 11,200 fewer businesses operating in the city. Of the city’s 98 neighborhoods, 80 lost 10% or more of their businesses. Mag Mile lost 41% of its stores.

TAGS: Chicago, property taxes, small business

Property tax

Ruling shows Illinois must address home equity theft

Illinois combined state, local tax rate tops the country

Unfair policies shut kids out of extracurriculars

Five reasons school districts shouldn’t lock students out of extracurriculars

Pritzker’s 57 tax and fee hikes cost Illinoisans $77 billion

Illinois housing shortage prices many out of homeownership

Highest-earning Illinoisans fleeing state at fastest rate

Bears deal will be a top priority for lawmakers upon return

Cook County TIFs cost taxpayers over $2 billion

Just 4-in-5 businesses from 2015 likely still open in your Chicago neighborhood

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