Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

Chicago Teachers Union demands 130M free rides

Chicago Teachers Union demands 130M free rides

The Chicago Teachers Union has 142 pages of demands for its next contract. They include free mass transit for all students and employees in the Chicago Public Schools. That’s as many as 130.3 million free CTA tickets that could cost as much as $122.5 million.

By Jerry Barmore

The Policy Shop: Chicago’s $879 Million Camera Cash-In

The Policy Shop: Chicago’s $879 Million Camera Cash-In

This episode of The Policy Shop is by writer Patrick Andriesen Two Chicago mayors have decried their city’s near-predatory use of traffic tickets. Yet those two Chicago mayors have effectively worked to increase ticket revenue. Beware the next politician promising “relief,” because it likely means even more cash taken from drivers who can ill-afford Chicago’s...

Illinois state gas tax to hit 47 cents July 1

Illinois state gas tax to hit 47 cents July 1

After July 1, Illinois motorists will be averaging $184 more in state gas taxes since Gov. J.B. Pritzker doubled them in 2019. Illinois motorists already pay the second-highest gas taxes in the nation, and inflation adjustments just take them higher.

By Dylan Sharkey

2024 NASCAR ticket price up to $270 higher thanks to Chicago tax

2024 NASCAR ticket price up to $270 higher thanks to Chicago tax

The typical racing fan will pay an extra $22 for general admission to Chicago’s NASCAR “Street Race Weekend” thanks to the city’s amusement tax. Luxury seating could cost residents more than the price of a standard ticket in taxes alone.

By Vincent Caruso

Chicago speed cameras fined motorists over $102M in 2023

Chicago speed cameras fined motorists over $102M in 2023

Chicago speed cameras hit motorists with over $102 million in fines during 2023, and $879 million total since they started flashing a decade ago. The mayor promised to eliminate the automated traffic cams, which issued a ticket every 20 seconds last year.

By Patrick Andriesen