Illinois GDP grew 4.8% in 2nd quarter of 2025
Illinois GDP grew 4.8% in 2nd quarter of 2025
Illinois’ economy bounces back after early 2025 slump. Long-term growth is threatened by taxation, regulation and barriers to getting a job.
Illinois taxpayers each owe $38,800 for state’s unpaid bills
Illinois taxpayers each owe $38,800 for state’s unpaid bills
Illinois taxpayers in 2024 owed an average of $38,800 each, ranking No. 3 in the U.S. Illinois earned an “F” for fiscal management.
Record high: Chicago Teachers Union 2X political spending
Record high: Chicago Teachers Union 2X political spending
The Chicago Teachers Union spent millions on failed school board candidates in its 2025 fiscal year. Not even 18% of its spending was on representing teachers.
Chicago misses grocery tax deadline, saving shoppers $40M
Chicago misses grocery tax deadline, saving shoppers $40M
Chicago missed the Oct. 1 deadline to extend the grocery tax. Grocery shoppers will save $40 million for at least six months starting Jan. 1, 2026.
See what your Illinois school district superintendent made in 2024
See what your Illinois school district superintendent made in 2024
Illinois school district superintendent pay topped out at $537,197 in 2024. See your local superintendent's salary here.
Illinois superintendent pay doesn’t match performance: district consolidation could help
Illinois superintendent pay doesn’t match performance: district consolidation could help
Superintendent salaries often do not reflect the district’s size, wealth or student performance. School district consolidation could help fix that.
Mandating unaffordability: How Chicago’s housing affordability requirements decrease supply and increase costs
Mandating unaffordability: How Chicago’s housing affordability requirements decrease supply and increase costs
As housing prices continue to soar out of reach for more Americans, an impulse from policy makers across the country has been to attempt to mandate “affordable” prices through legislation. One common idea is rent control, which limits how much landlords can increase rents on residents. A related one is inclusionary zoning, which forces developers...
Chicago Public Schools lose 9,000 students
Chicago Public Schools lose 9,000 students
There are 9,081 fewer students enrolled in Chicago Public Schools, driven by declines in Black and Hispanic students. The big drop ends a blip in annual enrollment declines.
Chicago speed cameras hit 3-year ticket high in July
Chicago speed cameras hit 3-year ticket high in July
Monthly Chicago speed camera violations climbed to their highest level in more than three years during July 2025 following Mayor Brandon Johnson’s introduction of 22 new cameras. More cameras in new locations gave Johnson more cash.
Chicago Teachers Union honors convicted murderer, wanted terrorist
Chicago Teachers Union honors convicted murderer, wanted terrorist
The Chicago Teachers Union posted a social media memorial tribute to Assata Shakur, a convicted cop killer who fled to Cuba and was wanted as a terrorist. It drew sharp condemnation from Chicago aldermen and multiple governors.
Chicago finds 39 ways to get $1.65B more to spend
Chicago finds 39 ways to get $1.65B more to spend
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s task force outlined 39 ways to raise up to $1.65 billion to close Chicago’s 2026 budget deficit. More taxes is the wrong answer.
Wait it out? Illinois pensions probably can’t afford to
Wait it out? Illinois pensions probably can’t afford to
Illinois’ pension crisis won’t be solved without constitutional reform. Waiting for Tier 1 members to completely leave the system would take decades and cost taxpayers billions in unsustainable benefits.
Pritzker blames Trump for cuts, but Illinois is high risk for recession
Pritzker blames Trump for cuts, but Illinois is high risk for recession
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said state agencies need to trim 4%, blaming President Donald Trump and a slowing national economy. Illinois’ economic woes started long before Trump.
Vallas: Stacy Davis Gates’ destructive vision for Chicago schools
Vallas: Stacy Davis Gates’ destructive vision for Chicago schools
The Chicago Teachers Union is shutting down school choice by attacking charter schools, hurting Black and Latino families who rely on them. Their actions put power over student success.