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

Chicago budget rises over 2X faster than other big cities

By Ravi Mishra, Lauren Zuar

09/22/2025

Not enough revenue? How about too much spending. Chicago outpaces many of America’s biggest cities with a 62% spending spike since 2019. That’s what’s driving deficits.

When will Cook County expect 2nd property tax payment? Good question.

By Jerry Barmore

09/08/2025

The second installment of Cook County property taxes should have been paid Aug. 1. The county can’t get the calculations completed, so the bills are on hold.

TAGS: Cook County

Chicago Mayor Johnson’s real estate tax could hit more than 100 grocery stores

By Dylan Sharkey

03/12/2024

“Bring Chicago Home” would classify more than 100 grocery stores as high-end properties that need to “pay their fair share” if sold. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s rhetoric fails to match his tax hike’s realities.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, real estate transfer tax

Chicago Teachers Union endorses plan making their property a “mansion”

By Dylan Sharkey

02/29/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union is pushing a plan to tax “mansions.” But the tax would mainly hit commercial buildings, such as the building where the union is housed.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago Teachers Union is No. 3 funder of Johnson’s tax hike proposal

By Mailee Smith

02/28/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union funneled at least $200,000 into the ballot question Mayor Brandon Johnson claims will raise taxes to help the homeless. With no plan on how the money will reduce homelessness, it could become a slush fund for his CTU friends.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Property tax

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

Chicago budget rises over 2X faster than other big cities

When will Cook County expect 2nd property tax payment? Good question.

Chicago Mayor Johnson’s real estate tax could hit more than 100 grocery stores

Chicago Teachers Union endorses plan making their property a “mansion”

Chicago Teachers Union is No. 3 funder of Johnson’s tax hike proposal

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

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