Illinois population drops by record 104,437 in 2022
Illinois population drops by record 104,437 in 2022
People moving out of Illinois drove the highest population loss on record in 2022, new data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows.
Ep. 65: The new Illinois laws taking effect in 2023
Ep. 65: The new Illinois laws taking effect in 2023
The new year will bring new state laws, many of which passed before lawmakers and the public had time to review them. How will these complex laws change life in Illinois? Joe Tabor, director of policy research at Illinois Policy Institute, gives an overview of Illinois’ new laws for 2023 from the controversial SAFE-T Act...
Holiday scratch-offs are no gift to Illinois schools
Holiday scratch-offs are no gift to Illinois schools
A closer look at Illinois’ lottery legislation shows lawmakers historically diverted funding away from the classroom. Despite recent legislation, outsized holiday scratcher sales still only translate to slight gains for public schools.
Illinois holiday travelers face hike on nation’s No. 2 gas taxes
Illinois holiday travelers face hike on nation’s No. 2 gas taxes
Plenty of Illinoisans will be on the road this holiday season, with record-high travel across the nation. Filling up for the trip is pricey in Illinois and will get even pricier after Jan. 1.
$31,829 property tax bill robs ‘Home Alone’ house in 2022
$31,829 property tax bill robs ‘Home Alone’ house in 2022
Despite lower assessed value, thieving property taxes are on the rise for the old McCallister residence.
Chicago Public Schools CEO gets $10,200 raise as test scores plummet
Chicago Public Schools CEO gets $10,200 raise as test scores plummet
Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez received a $10,200 raise for 2022 after his first year leading the nation’s fourth-largest school district. The updated contract allows him to secure future annual raises without education board approval.
Illinois metro areas’ unemployment rates among worst in U.S.
Illinois metro areas’ unemployment rates among worst in U.S.
Illinois’ metro areas already face unemployment problems, with some of the nation’s worst rates. They could be hit harder by a recession than other places in the nation.
Illinois public pension debt grows to $140B
Illinois public pension debt grows to $140B
Illinois’ five statewide pensions system saw their debt increase by nearly $10 billion to a grand total of $140 billion in fiscal year 2022. Pensions will cost the state nearly $11 billion next year, but that’s still $4.4 billion too little.
Ep. 64: Why it’s time for Illinois to embrace school choice
Ep. 64: Why it’s time for Illinois to embrace school choice
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced many Illinois parents to the concept and practice of school choice. What is school choice and why has it become such a politicized issue? Nathan Hoffman, director of state policy and legislative strategy for the American Federation for Children, joins us to discuss the benefits of school choice and why Illinois...
Illinois 1 of 10 states still under covid emergency powers
Illinois 1 of 10 states still under covid emergency powers
Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued his 37th COVID-19 disaster proclamation. Illinois is one of only 10 states living under an emergency order.
SOS: Save Our Students (from CTU)
SOS: Save Our Students (from CTU)
Chicago Public Schools students test scores worse than pre-pandemic
Chicago Public Schools students test scores worse than pre-pandemic
CPS student proficiency rates remain below pre-pandemic levels and demographic achievement gaps persist in newest release of statewide test data.
Leaving 8th graders ‘Home Alone’ could land Illinois parents in jail
Leaving 8th graders ‘Home Alone’ could land Illinois parents in jail
Unlike parents in the Chicagoland Christmas classic, Illinoisans could end up under investigation, arrested or even lose custody for leaving their eighth graders unsupervised this holiday. Parents in 30 other states get to decide for themselves.
Biden promises nearly $36 billion for national pension bailouts
Biden promises nearly $36 billion for national pension bailouts
The Biden administration promised nearly $36 billion to stabilize pension plans for Teamsters nationwide after forecasts predicted the system’s default by 2026. Union members would have seen their retirement benefits slashed by 60% if the system defaulted.