Illinois tax rates rank No. 1: highest in U.S.

By Patrick Andriesen, Dylan Sharkey

03/15/2022

Illinoisans now pay the highest combined state and local tax rates in the nation. Those taxes take more than 15% of their household income each year.

Illinois missing nearly twice as many jobs as U.S.

By Bryce Hill

03/14/2022

Revisions show Illinois added 17,400 more jobs in 2021 than previously thought, but the state’s recovery still significantly lags the U.S. recovery rate.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, jobs, unemployment

Illinois leads U.S. for people moving out: 8th year of loss

By Patrick Andriesen

03/14/2022

Illinois reported the largest outmigration of residents of any state during 2021, marking the 8th consecutive year of population decline in Illinois. Chicago similarly saw more residents move away than any metropolitan area in the nation.

TAGS: Illinois, outmigration, population

Madigan pleads ‘not guilty’ to 22-count corruption indictment

By Dylan Sharkey

03/10/2022

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan entered a “not guilty” plea to federal racketeering and bribery charges March 9.

TAGS: corruption, federal investigation, Mike Madigan

Amendment 1 would cement strikes as go-to weapon for Chicago Teachers Union

By Hannah Schmid

03/08/2022

The Chicago Teachers Union has gone on strike five times and walked out on students at least three other times since it got the right to strike in 1984. Gaining greater power through Amendment 1 would embolden militant union tactics.

TAGS: Amendment 1, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, strike

Chicago Public Schools to end mask mandate March 14

By Patrick Andriesen

03/08/2022

Chicago Public Schools will make masks optional for students and staff starting March 14, following CDC guidance. The Chicago Teacher’s Union said union leaders were working to block the decision and keep students masked.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, mask mandate

Amendment 1 would permanently enshrine Madigan union deals in Illinois Constitution

By Dylan Sharkey

03/03/2022

Amendment 1 would permanently write indicted former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s public union deals into the state constitution. If passed, neither lawmakers nor voters could ever change them.

TAGS: Amendment 1, Mike Madigan, unions

Amendment 1 would give teachers unions more power over Illinois schools, parents

By Mailee Smith

02/25/2022

If voters pass Amendment 1 in November, it will give teachers unions unprecedented power over what happens in schools. That power could never be curbed.

TAGS: Amendment 1, Illinois, teachers union

Illinois still missing nearly 1 in 3 leisure, hospitality jobs

By Dylan Sharkey

02/23/2022

Illinois is experiencing one of the nation’s worst recoveries for leisure and hospitality jobs. Of the Illinois jobs that vanished since the COVID-19 pandemic, 35% are in leisure and hospitality – the most of any industry.

TAGS: COVID-19, economic recovery, Illinois, jobs

Illinois child protection relocates teen girl 25 times

By Dylan Sharkey

02/22/2022

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Director Marc Smith was charged for contempt of court four times in six weeks. The latest was a 16-year-old girl relocated 25 times through foster homes, shelters and psychiatric hospitals.

TAGS: DCFS: Department of Children and Family Services, Marc Smith

Constitution of Illinois

Illinois tax rates rank No. 1: highest in U.S.

Illinois missing nearly twice as many jobs as U.S.

Illinois leads U.S. for people moving out: 8th year of loss

Madigan pleads ‘not guilty’ to 22-count corruption indictment

Amendment 1 would cement strikes as go-to weapon for Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago Public Schools to end mask mandate March 14

Amendment 1 would permanently enshrine Madigan union deals in Illinois Constitution

Amendment 1 would give teachers unions more power over Illinois schools, parents

Illinois still missing nearly 1 in 3 leisure, hospitality jobs

Illinois child protection relocates teen girl 25 times

Fighting poverty with employment: Chicago block clubs

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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