Illinois can boost housing affordability with statewide zoning reform
Illinois can boost housing affordability with statewide zoning reform
Oregon made statewide changes in its zoning policies to help keep housing prices affordable. Many states have followed its lead. Illinois should, too.
By Ravi Mishra
How do I vote early in Illinois?
How do I vote early in Illinois?
Illinois has made it easier to register to vote, but finding your in-person voting place before Election Day can be a headache. Here’s a breakdown to make it easier.
By Patrick Andriesen
La población de Chicago alcanza su punto más bajo desde 1920
La población de Chicago alcanza su punto más bajo desde 1920
En el Censo de 1920, la población de Chicago era de 2.7 millones, un aumento de más de 516,000 en una década. Más de 100 años después, la población de Chicago es de 2.66 millones, una pérdida de 128,034 tras nueve años consecutivos de declive.
By Bryce Hill
Shampoo bottles, telehealth, property taxes in over 275 new Illinois laws
Shampoo bottles, telehealth, property taxes in over 275 new Illinois laws
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed over 275 bills into law recently. Here is what you need to know about changes to taxes, hotel shampoo, light bulbs and virtual health care.
By Joe Tabor
First nationwide school choice bill passes U.S. House committee
First nationwide school choice bill passes U.S. House committee
The Educational Choice for Children Act of 2024 becomes the first nationwide school choice bill to pass out of committee in U.S. history. Now it goes to the U.S. House floor, giving hope to Illinois families denied the option by state lawmakers.
By Hannah Schmid
Telehealth expands in Illinois for dental, physical therapy patients
Telehealth expands in Illinois for dental, physical therapy patients
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed laws expanding remote access to dental care and physical therapy, but the state could do more to remove barriers to health care access for patients.
By Joe Tabor
Illinois bans fluorescent lighting starting in 2026
Illinois bans fluorescent lighting starting in 2026
Starting in 2026, you won’t be buying any compact fluorescent light bulbs to replace that burned out one in Illinois. Tubes go away in 2027. Gov. J.B. Pritzker is banning the same light bulbs Illinois’ former senator and president championed 15 years ago.
By Dylan Sharkey
What dates should I know this election?
What dates should I know this election?
There are a lot of important dates and deadlines for voters surrounding Election Day. Here's what you need to know before and after Nov. 5.
Illinois sales taxes 7th highest in U.S.
Illinois sales taxes 7th highest in U.S.
Illinois’ combined state and average local sales tax is the seventh highest in the nation. It is the highest among the most populous states.
By Dylan Sharkey, Kurtis Karg
Here’s what to know about Chicago’s 31 school board candidates
Here’s what to know about Chicago’s 31 school board candidates
Chicago voters will pick from 31 candidates for 10 school board seats. The Chicago Teachers Union is trying to expand its political power by pushing a candidate in each of the 10 districts.
By Patrick Andriesen
Chicago Teachers Union hasn’t released ‘annual’ audit for 4 years
Chicago Teachers Union hasn’t released ‘annual’ audit for 4 years
The Chicago Teachers Union’s internal rules require it to release an audit to members each year. It hasn’t done so since Sept. 9, 2020.
By Mailee Smith
Shenita Muse
Shenita Muse
Shenita Muse leads the Hope Center Foundation, which is leading an effort to fix Chicago’s gridlocked housing market in some of the city’s most needy areas. “Reclaiming Communities” is an initiative to build or rehab 2,000 homes on the city’s South Side and West Side. The homes will then be sold to residents who have...