Illinois’ unemployment continued a long-term trend of remaining higher than the national rate as 2025 ends with lost jobs as the nation gained.

Subsidies and rent control will make Illinois’ housing shortage worse. Lawmakers should focus on how they can boost supply.

Illinois’ population grew by 16,108 in 2025 thanks to an influx of people migrating from other countries. But Illinoisans moving away offset most of that gain.

The Chicago area climbed up two spots as a technology hub, surpassing Silicon Valley. Government can foster that growth.

Illinois saw strong economic growth in the third quarter of 2025, largely tracking national trends.