Calls for more transit safety, SAFE-T reform after CTA employee killed | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Following the fatal stabbing of a Chicago Transit Authority employee while on the job, one state lawmaker is continuing his call to reform the SAFE-T Act because the man who killed the employee had multiple previous felony convictions. CTA janitor Julian Mobley was stabbed and killed while attempting to help a […]
Everyday Economics: Luxury housing offers builders a way through the slump | National
(The Center Square) – Jacksonville and Chicago have more high-income households than in 2019, and more luxury buyers than a year ago but fewer homes for sale, creating an opening for builders despite high mortgage rates. In Jacksonville, the estimated luxury buyer pool grew 10.4% from a year earlier while active luxury listings fell 9.4% […]
Lawmaker criticizes $500,000 comp package for interim transit chief | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Illinois state Sen. Don DeWitte is questioning the Northern Illinois Transit Authority’s decision to pay interim Executive Director Jamie Rhee $350,000 annually while she collects a taxpayer-funded Chicago pension exceeding $213,000 a year. DeWitte, R-St. Charles, called the arrangement “double-dipping” and said it raises questions about whether the newly restructured transit […]
Lawmakers urge more nonprofit security funding after threat | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Some legislators are calling for more taxpayer funding of nonprofit security grants after a potential mass shooting was averted in the Chicago suburbs. U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, said he and countless other families were at the Balaji temple in Aurora on Oct. 10 to mark the beginning of one of […]
Report: Illinois gets an F for financial health | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Illinois is one of four states that received a failing grade on the 2026 Financial State of the States report, but Truth in Accounting said there is a legislative way to improve Illinois’ financial health. The report used audited financial reports and retirement system data to examine each state’s financial health. […]
DuPage candidates talk taxes, spending | Illinois
(The Center Square) – DuPage County Board Chair Deb Conroy says her administration has not raised taxes, but Republican candidate Gary Grasso says that’s not true. Grasso spoke in Chicago on Wednesday and said the county budget increased about 22% from fiscal year 2023 to fiscal year 2027. “In the three years that my opponent […]
Lawmakers weigh Chicago voter-guided Chicago charter | Illinois
(The Center Square) – A proposal being weighed in the Illinois House would allow Chicago to create its own city charter, which the lawmaker behind it said could simplify many of the complexities that have led to fiscal and other governmental issues in the city. State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, described his legislation, the Municipal […]
Pritzker backs candidates in predominantly red state congressional races | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has had a hand in widely backing Democrat candidates in largely red states where he and the national party feel there’s a chance they could pick up more seats. Pritzker’s political action committee, the Ready for the Fight PAC, is targeting districts that either lean Republican or […]
Report: Unelected officials take top salaries | National
(The Center Square) – Some of the highest-paid state executives across the country in 2025 were unelected education officials, according to a new report. Ballotpedia curated a report detailing the salaries of top-ranking state officials across the country in 2025. The list found that nine of the top 10 highest paid officials were appointed to their […]
Expert: School districts should justify administrative spending before seeking more funds | Illinois
(The Center Square) – Illinois school districts are asking taxpayers for additional funding as some superintendents receive compensation approaching $600,000, prompting questions about whether districts are sufficiently scrutinizing administrative spending before seeking more money from taxpayers. Ted Dabrowski, founder of Fight for Illinois, said superintendent compensation should be examined alongside student outcomes and overall district […]