Virginia raises bar for students while Illinois hides struggles
Virginia raises bar for students while Illinois hides struggles
Low student proficiency is being hidden in Illinois. Virginia raised its expectations for students.
Chicago loosens granny flat rules, still lags California
Chicago loosens granny flat rules, still lags California
Chicago just expanded where accessory dwelling units can be built, but California’s sweeping reforms show how far the city still has to go.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson proposes $21 per employee corporate “head tax”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson proposes $21 per employee corporate “head tax”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson proposed a $21-per-employee monthly tax on large companies to help fill a nearly $1.2 billion shortfall. Business leaders and even a former mayor say the “head tax” could kill job creation and new investment.
Public, private, homeschool all used in family’s education quest
Public, private, homeschool all used in family’s education quest
A search for the right education took a South Holland family through public school, private school and homeschool. Federal scholarships can ease the journey for others, if Gov. J.B. Pritzker allows
Lawmakers push DoorDash, Uber Eats delivery tax statewide for Chicago transit
Lawmakers push DoorDash, Uber Eats delivery tax statewide for Chicago transit
Lawmakers may approve a statewide delivery tax on Doordash and Uber Eats to fund Chicago transit, hitting all Illinoisans who shop online, even those who don’t use CTA, Metra or Pace.
Chicago park pension remains underfunded despite reforms
Chicago park pension remains underfunded despite reforms
Despite a 2021 law meant to improve the funding ratio of Chicago’s park pension, the amount of money the system has on hand to pay out benefits remains low.
Chicago Teachers Union dues support 54 bosses making over $100K
Chicago Teachers Union dues support 54 bosses making over $100K
Chicago Teachers Union bosses make a lot more than members. Little of members’ dues pay for representation. See who makes what, here.
CTA proposes first fare hike in seven years: here’s by how much
CTA proposes first fare hike in seven years: here’s by how much
The Chicago Transit Authority’s 2026 budget includes scenarios dependent on state funding along with a 25-cent fare hike on bus and rail.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2026 budget targets social media, corporate “head tax”
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2026 budget targets social media, corporate “head tax”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2026 budget proposal includes a per-user tax on social media companies and a per-employee fee on businesses. The proposal does not include a property tax hike and supports the elimination of the grocery tax.
Unused office space could mean more Chicago housing
Unused office space could mean more Chicago housing
New York City has seen success in converting office space into residences. Chicago should do the same.
Massive property tax hikes hurt Chicago’s low-income families
Massive property tax hikes hurt Chicago’s low-income families
Chicago homeowners on the South and West Sides are bracing for huge property tax hikes, driven by surging assessments and government spending tied to pensions.
DoorDash, Uber, Ticketmaster and toll road hikes: $1.5 billion in potential taxes explained
DoorDash, Uber, Ticketmaster and toll road hikes: $1.5 billion in potential taxes explained
Prices for DoorDash, Uber, Ticketmaster and Illinois tolls might go up now to cover $1.5 billion for Illinois transit agencies. A real estate transfer tax for homes in the Chicago suburbs is also on the table.
Vallas: How to improve Chicago’s billion-dollar transit crisis
Vallas: How to improve Chicago’s billion-dollar transit crisis
Chicago Transit Authority ridership is still below pre-pandemic levels. Crime and a budget shortfall make matters worse, but there are cost-effective ways to make it safer.
Stacy Davis Gates makes over $273,000 but doesn’t pay her water bills
Stacy Davis Gates makes over $273,000 but doesn’t pay her water bills
The Chicago Teachers Union president demands the “wealthy” pay their fair share but doesn’t apply that same principle to herself.