Madison and St. Clair counties both saw their populations decline from July 2016 to July 2017, thanks to outmigration – a problem the counties have been dealing with for years.

Getting Illinois to grow again starts with getting those who remain to believe it’s possible. And even more, to believe it’s a state worth saving.

The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area witnessed population decline over the year, as did nearly every other metro area in Illinois.

As outmigration fuels population decline throughout the state, Cook County saw the largest numeric population loss of any county in the nation.

The Quad Cities are a case study in how the Land of Lincoln is lagging behind its neighbors.

The worst years of the Great Recession are in the rear view. But if the latest gloomy fiscal forecast is any indication, Illinois' persistent policy mistakes will drag down its economic performance well into the future.

Every relationship comes with some sacrifices. But for an alarming number of Illinoisans, they're opting instead to sacrifice their state IDs.