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.
Pritzker record: He added $300 million last year to Chicago pension woes By Adam Gorcyca 08/14/2026 The governor signed a sweetener for city police and firefighters that’s estimated to add over $11 billion in accrued liabilities by 2055. TAGS: JB Pritzker
Back to school: Illinois students return to class in public schools posting poor results in reading, math and attendance By Hannah Schmid 08/13/2026 State data shows that reading and math proficiency remain low and chronic absenteeism remains high. TAGS: public schools
High taxes vs. low taxes: Which states are winning the population war? By Shaw Carlson 08/11/2026 Illinois families say curbing high taxes is a top issue, and the state is losing loads of residents. TAGS: JB Pritzker, outmigration
New Michigan law will require reading teachers to get training in evidence-based instruction By Hannah Schmid 08/11/2026 The state will require elementary teachers to be trained in the “science of reading.” Illinois should do the same.
Bill on Pritzker’s desk would let high-schoolers take more career classes By Katie Crain 08/10/2026 Gov. J.B. Pritzker could expand access to training for high school students in careers such as welding and web development. TAGS: JB Pritzker
Illinois’ back-to-school sales tax break provides relief for 10 days By Shaw Carlson 08/06/2026 The state will slash its sales tax for 10 days this month.
Education Freedom Tax Credit can save donors 354% more than a deduction By Rich Witzel 08/06/2026 Under the program, donors can receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700. That’s a direct subtraction from your tax bill, not just a deduction from your taxable income. TAGS: EFTC: Education Freedom Tax Credit, FSTC: Federal Scholarship Tax Credit
Johnson’s relocation fee threatens affordable rentals By LyLena Estabine 08/05/2026 A proposed ordinance would force landlords to pay tenants thousands to end a lease. The mandate risks higher rents and fewer affordable units. TAGS: Brandon Johnson
Naperville could scrap grocery tax in favor of higher sales tax By Jessica Rehberg 08/04/2026 Revenue is falling short of expectations from the grocery tax, which was enacted after Gov. J.B. Pritzker repealed the state grocery tax.