Argie Karafotias
Argie Karafotias
"There needs to be transparency and accountability."
Illinois schools see small academic gains, but still need improvement
Illinois schools see small academic gains, but still need improvement
New Illinois public school test data shows reading and math proficiency rates for third- through eighth-grade students increased since 2023. Not so for 11th graders, who performed worse in reading and math.
Another Illinois town has passed a grocery tax. Is yours next?
Another Illinois town has passed a grocery tax. Is yours next?
Another Illinois town voted to pass a local grocery tax. See how much grocery shoppers in your community could lose if your local leaders also impose the tax.
3 ways a ‘millionaire tax’ would hurt Illinois
3 ways a ‘millionaire tax’ would hurt Illinois
Illinois voters on Nov. 5 will be asked whether they favor a “millionaire tax.” Here are three things to know about it: the tax can be easily avoided, it fails to provide stable revenue and it discourages or limits economic growth.
Illinois pension crisis would devour ‘millionaire tax’
Illinois pension crisis would devour ‘millionaire tax’
Illinois needs to spend $4.9 billion more annually to pay for pensions, but the “millionaire tax” would only raise an estimated $3-$4.3 billion. That’s too little for the pension bills and would leave nothing for property tax relief.
Tax question on November ballot could open door for retirement tax
Tax question on November ballot could open door for retirement tax
Implementing the “millionaire” tax would give lawmakers the power to tax retirement income. Every state with a progressive tax also taxes retirement income.
Curfews, fines: Beware Illinois communities’ trick-or-treat laws
Curfews, fines: Beware Illinois communities’ trick-or-treat laws
Some Illinois communities see regulating any mischief on Halloween as a real treat. One town fines trick-or-treaters up to $750 if they don’t know the Halloween laws.
‘Millionaire tax’ could push Illinois corporate income tax to highest in U.S.
‘Millionaire tax’ could push Illinois corporate income tax to highest in U.S.
A push to raise Illinois’ income tax may create the most extreme business income tax rate in the nation. “Millionaire tax” could hurt jobs in a state already struggling.
See if your state lawmaker took Chicago Teachers Union money
See if your state lawmaker took Chicago Teachers Union money
The Chicago Teachers Union has spent nearly $1.3 million on campaign donations in an effort to influence what happens in the Illinois General Assembly. See if your state lawmakers accepted money from the CTU.
‘Millionaire tax’ proposal would hike income tax rates by 62% for nearly 24,000 small businesses
‘Millionaire tax’ proposal would hike income tax rates by 62% for nearly 24,000 small businesses
Combined state and federal income taxes would have small businesses pay more than 50% of their top-end income in taxes.
Chicago Teachers Union school board spending surpasses $1 million
Chicago Teachers Union school board spending surpasses $1 million
The Chicago Teachers Union has spent $1 million on their endorsed candidates for Chicago Board of Education races.
Kit Kat, Twix are cheaper in Illinois because of tricky tax on treats
Kit Kat, Twix are cheaper in Illinois because of tricky tax on treats
Halloween shoppers can stay clear of Illinois’ spooky candy tax if they know the right candy to buy.
Just 3,200 Illinoisans complete apprenticeships each year despite potential to fill nearly 150,000 job openings
Just 3,200 Illinoisans complete apprenticeships each year despite potential to fill nearly 150,000 job openings
Declining reading and math scores decrease opportunity for students in Illinois. Apprenticeships, which provide paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction, are an in-demand alternative to a college degree that can build key skills and help meet future employment needs.
Chicago budget has jumped $6B since before COVID, faces $1B deficit in 2025
Chicago budget has jumped $6B since before COVID, faces $1B deficit in 2025
The Chicago budget has grown by over $6 billion since 2019. Despite being bolstered by billions in federal relief, the city is facing nearly a $1 billion deficit in the coming fiscal year.