Chicago pensions carry more debt than 44 states
Chicago pensions carry more debt than 44 states
Chicago’s pension systems carry over $53 billion in debt, leaving taxpayers with rising bills and no reform in sight.
New iPhone launches, but Illinoisans pay nation’s highest taxes to use it
New iPhone launches, but Illinoisans pay nation’s highest taxes to use it
Apple’s new iPhone launch on Sept. 9 may be a celebration for tech consumers, but it also makes the Illinois taxman smile. Illinois already had the nation’s highest tax rate on cell phone plans before it bumped up even more July 1.
When will Cook County expect 2nd property tax payment? Good question.
When will Cook County expect 2nd property tax payment? Good question.
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.
Vallas: Chicago needs federal intervention, but not National Guard
Vallas: Chicago needs federal intervention, but not National Guard
Federal help is needed in Chicago, but it should be professional law enforcement and encompass the entire justice system. Sending just the National Guard is destined to create problems when Chicago’s embattled communities need solutions.
Chicago Teachers Union president claims Southern Illinois takes more than it makes
Chicago Teachers Union president claims Southern Illinois takes more than it makes
The Chicago Teachers Union exerts power not only over the city of Chicago, but also statewide. Southern Illinois schools and their funding is the target of CTU leaders’ latest attack.
Illinois property tax rate tops U.S., but pain worse in some areas
Illinois property tax rate tops U.S., but pain worse in some areas
Illinois' high property taxes hurt the economy, particularly in communities already struggling. When government overtaxes, residents and businesses flee – leaving those remaining with a bigger tax bill.
Southwestern Illinois taxpayers hand airport $160M to keep it open
Southwestern Illinois taxpayers hand airport $160M to keep it open
MidAmerica St. Louis Airport has been a drain on taxpayers since it opened in 1995, requiring money from other county funds to keep it open. That total jumped last year to $14.83 million, bringing total subsidies since 2002 to $160 million.
Can your family get federal school choice grants? Likely, if Pritzker OKs
Can your family get federal school choice grants? Likely, if Pritzker OKs
Use our calculator to see if your family is eligible to receive a school choice grant from the Educational Choice for Children Act. Then, sign the petition to tell Gov. J.B. Pritzker to let Illinois join the federal program.
Chicago Teachers Union invests nearly $1.8M, but 2-in-5 are lawmakers from outside Chicago
Chicago Teachers Union invests nearly $1.8M, but 2-in-5 are lawmakers from outside Chicago
The Chicago Teachers Union is more political machine than labor union, putting nearly $1.8 million into the campaigns of 84 of 177 current lawmakers since 2010. But it may be losing its hold on Springfield.
Ahead of Monday Night Football: When are Bears moving to Arlington Heights?
Ahead of Monday Night Football: When are Bears moving to Arlington Heights?
As the Chicago Bears get ready for Monday Night Football, fans have heard talk about Arlington Heights since 2021. Here are the three biggest questions surrounding the move.
Romeoville, Bolingbrook teachers union files strike notice
Romeoville, Bolingbrook teachers union files strike notice
The teachers union in the 10th-largest school district in Illinois has voted to authorize a strike. If an agreement is not reached, teachers in Romeoville and Bolingbrook could strike as soon as Sept. 15.
Chicago’s empty schools hurting students at high costs
Chicago’s empty schools hurting students at high costs
Students at the emptiest schools in Chicago Public Schools recorded low proficiency and high absenteeism on average. Students at the most overcrowded schools fared better, even with lower spending per student.
Illinois state university prices up 66% in 16 years
Illinois state university prices up 66% in 16 years
The cost of a state university education in Illinois increased 66% between 2009 and 2025, $6,028 more in tuition and fees per year. Blame declining enrollment, a bad state funding formula, pensions and high administrative costs.
Illinois tops U.S. in college spending, but loses over 106K students
Illinois tops U.S. in college spending, but loses over 106K students
Illinois ranked No. 1 for spending per student on higher education in 2024, paying more than double the national average. Declining enrollment, poorly structured finances, growing pension payments and bloated administration have driven up costs.