Illinois unemployment No. 3 in U.S. during November
Illinois unemployment No. 3 in U.S. during November
Illinois is caught in a sluggish job market with persistently high unemployment. It was third-highest in the U.S. again during November.
Chicago shorts pensions by over $440M a year despite $2.3B hike in spending
Chicago shorts pensions by over $440M a year despite $2.3B hike in spending
Chicago’s public pension contributions remain lower than what actuaries say is needed to pay benefits despite a nearly six-fold increase in spending since 2014. Pension problems are driving high property taxes ever higher.
Illinois holiday shoppers pay sales taxes as high as 11.5%
Illinois holiday shoppers pay sales taxes as high as 11.5%
Sales taxes up to 11.5% will greet some Cook County shoppers this holiday season. Illinois averages 8.85% in sales taxes statewide, slightly more than last year and the seventh highest nationwide.
Vallas: Chicago Teachers Union is no friend to other city unions
Vallas: Chicago Teachers Union is no friend to other city unions
A current dispute with SEIU and militant stances against police are just two reasons other city unions have reason to believe the Chicago Teachers Union cares little about solidarity and a lot about its own interests.
Christmas in Chicago
Christmas in Chicago
Watch those holiday movies now: Chicago’s amusement tax rises $12.9M in 2025
Watch those holiday movies now: Chicago’s amusement tax rises $12.9M in 2025
In 2015 Chicago became the first city to add its 9% amusement tax when you streamed your favorite holiday shows or Christmas carols. It was one of the nation’s highest. But in 2025 it increases to 11% as the city tries to squeeze another $12.9 million from viewers.
Voters near O’Hare take up unfunded state mandates
Voters near O’Hare take up unfunded state mandates
Voters in Leyden Township will be sounding off April 1 on state mandates made without state funding being provided. Unfunded mandates force local governments to raise taxes to comply with new rules.
Illinois population grows in 2024 despite 56K residents leaving for other states
Illinois population grows in 2024 despite 56K residents leaving for other states
A massive influx of 112,955 international migrants boosted Illinois population in 2024, new Census Bureau data shows. Buses from Texas likely grew Illinois’ population.
Leaving kids home alone at Christmas could still land you on naughty list
Leaving kids home alone at Christmas could still land you on naughty list
Illinois no longer has the highest home alone age in the nation, but it might not be the Christmas gift parents were hoping for. Illinoisans should still get a sitter or risk coming under investigation.
Suburban Chicago voters to tell state leaders about pension reform need
Suburban Chicago voters to tell state leaders about pension reform need
Winfield Township voters will have a chance to impact Illinois’ pension crisis in the April 1 election. They won’t directly change any laws, but voters can send a strong signal to state lawmakers about pensions causing Illinois’ property tax pain.
Holiday scratch-off tickets surpass $2 billion in sales
Holiday scratch-off tickets surpass $2 billion in sales
Holiday scratch-off tickets are a popular stocking stuffer. Illinoisans dropped about $2 billion on tickets in a year, and it’s the biggest moneymaker for the Illinois Lottery.
Chicago mayor gets budget without his $300M in property tax hikes
Chicago mayor gets budget without his $300M in property tax hikes
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was denied a $300 million property tax hike, then a $150 million property tax hike, then a $68.5 million property tax hike. He got his 2025 city budget, and aldermen forced him to keep his campaign pledge not to raise property taxes.
Chicago property taxes have doubled in 10 years, thanks to pensions
Chicago property taxes have doubled in 10 years, thanks to pensions
Chicago’s government pension obligations have increased nearly sixfold since 2014, driving up Chicago’s sky-high property taxes. Another increase for 2025 was likely avoided, but city leaders need state lawmakers to make a permanent fix.
Illinois state pension debt climbs to $144B
Illinois state pension debt climbs to $144B
Illinois' unfunded statewide public pension liabilities grew another $1.5 billion in the past year. Better investment returns couldn’t keep up with public worker pensions growing faster than projected.