Candidate survey: who is running for Chicago School Board?
Candidate survey: who is running for Chicago School Board?
More than a dozen candidates filled out an Illinois Policy questionnaire to give voters a better idea of who is running for office. Read their answers below.
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.
By Jerry Barmore
‘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.
By Bryce Hill
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.
By Brad Weisenstein
“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.
By Bryce Hill
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.
By Jon Josko, Dylan Sharkey
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.
By Jerry Barmore
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.
By Lauren Zuar
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.
By Ravi Mishra
Chicago Teachers Union’s actions affect all Illinoisans
Chicago Teachers Union’s actions affect all Illinoisans
The Chicago Teachers Union might be in one city, but its lobbying and other political wrangling affect residents statewide.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois’ tax credit scholarship program for low-income students saved taxpayer dollars
Illinois’ tax credit scholarship program for low-income students saved taxpayer dollars
The Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship program saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars before it was killed by teachers’ unions, according to a new study.
By Hannah Schmid
‘Millionaire’ tax would be $2-$3.3 billion short of providing any property tax relief
‘Millionaire’ tax would be $2-$3.3 billion short of providing any property tax relief
Illinois’ state budget needs more than $6.3 billion to cover its own shortfalls before it can provide property tax relief to Illinoisans.
By Bryce Hill
Illinois holds second-worst unemployment rate in the nation
Illinois holds second-worst unemployment rate in the nation
Illinois is tied with California for the nation’s second-worst unemployment behind only Nevada, according to September data.
By Ravi Mishra