VIDEO: What will keep Chicago’s 2024 Democratic National Convention from looking like 1968?

By Jess Plowman

08/07/2024

In an election year reminiscent of 1968, Chicagoans hope to avoid a repeat of history when the Democratic National Convention comes to town Aug. 19-22.

TAGS: Chicago, DNC: Democratic National Convention, Illinois

How much were property taxes in your Illinois county?

By Brad Weisenstein

08/01/2024

See how much the median property tax bill was in your county. See how it compared with other Illinois counties.

TAGS: Illinois, pensions, property taxes

How’s my community? Measures of how your piece of Illinois is doing

07/22/2024

Here are data snapshots of Illinois communities, schools and government. See how well your tax dollars are performing in your city, county or school compared to others.

TAGS: education, Illinois, taxes

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

By John Tillman

07/04/2024

Fourth of July? No. We should always call it Independence Day to remember what we celebrate and what it means.

TAGS: freedom, Illinois, Independence Day

Illinois population drops for 10th year in a row during 2023

By Bryce Hill

12/19/2023

People moving out of Illinois led to the 10th consecutive year of population decline, new Census Bureau data shows.

TAGS: Illinois, population, taxes

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

By John Tillman

07/04/2023

We too often call it the “Fourth of July” and lose sight of its true meaning – independence. Independence from tyranny and the freedom to pursue life, liberty and happiness.

TAGS: freedom, Illinois, Independence Day

State retirees get nearly 40% more than what working Illinoisans earn

By Patrick Andriesen

02/01/2023

The typical career state worker collected $82,478 in annual pension benefits, recouping more income in 17 months of retirement than they contributed over 35 years. Working Illinoisans only earned $59,650 a year.

TAGS: Illinois, pensions

School Choice Week a reminder why Illinois families love the Invest in Kids Act

By Patrick Andriesen

01/26/2023

Thousands of parents, educators and organizations across the country renewed calls this week to expand school choice and give more options for students’ educations. But in Illinois, the state’s only school choice program is nearing its end.

TAGS: Illinois, Invest in Kids, School Choice Week

Illinois union membership shrinks by 17,000 in 2022

By Mailee Smith

01/23/2023

The drop in union membership for Illinois workers follows a 33-year downward trend, moving from more than 1-in-5 workers being in a union, to nearly 1-in-8.

TAGS: Illinois, unions

Survey: Illinois 2nd in U.S. for residents leaving

By Dylan Sharkey

01/18/2023

Illinois is the second-most popular state to leave based on a survey of movers by United Van Lines. Illinois has also experienced nine straight years of population loss.

TAGS: Illinois, outmigration

Building not permitted: Building permits in Illinois are a barrier to housing affordability

Illinois is in the midst of a housing affordability crisis. Over a third of residents are considered “burdened” by housing costs, meaning they pay over 30% of their income on costs related to housing. That is a greater portion of residents burdened by housing than any other state in the Midwest. The state fell 113,000...

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Building not permitted: Building permits in Illinois are a barrier to housing affordability

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Sam Goldman

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students