Illinois home prices jump as inventory plunges

By LyLena Estabine, Jon Josko

03/26/2026

The state’s housing inventory is at just 31% of pre-pandemic levels, driving up prices. Restrictive zoning and the nation’s highest property taxes must be addressed.

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

By Joe Tabor

02/10/2025

Published Feb. 10, 2025 Even though federal COVID relief funds provided an unexpected windfall, that one-time jolt of cash could leave many Illinois localities even worse off than they were before. That boost in revenue allowed local governments to put off difficult budgeting decisions, and as that revenue dries up, municipalities will have to contend...

Nine of 15 Illinois metros add jobs in December as employment gains trail nation

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

02/05/2025

New data shows nine of 15 Illinois metropolitan areas added jobs in December as the state gained 8,800 jobs. Ten metro areas reported higher unemployment than the national average.

Only 6 of 15 Illinois metro areas gained jobs in October

By Patrick Andriesen

12/04/2024

New data shows only six of 15 Illinois metropolitan areas added jobs in October as the state shed 2,400 jobs. Twelve metro areas reported higher unemployment than the national average.

TAGS: jobs

Unemployment persists in Illinois metro areas during August

By Ravi Mishra

10/03/2024

Illinois’ job market outpaced the national average during August. But 13 of Illinois’ 15 metropolitan areas continued to have higher unemployment rates than the national average.

TAGS: unemployment

Unemployment rates remain high across Illinois metro areas

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

08/29/2024

Despite Illinois’ job market outpacing the national average, all 15 metro areas continue to have higher unemployment rates than the national average.

TAGS: jobs, unemployment

Unemployment tops U.S. average in all but 2 Illinois areas during June

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

07/30/2024

Despite some growth, high unemployment remains a persistent issue in Illinois with 13 of 15 metropolitan areas showing higher rates of unemployment than the national average.

TAGS: jobs

5 Illinois metro areas await pandemic recovery, most add jobs in December

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

01/26/2024

Seven of 13 Illinois metro areas added jobs from November to December 2023, led by the St. Louis area. Five metros still reported fewer jobs than prior to the pandemic.

Most Illinois metro areas shed jobs in June, await pandemic recovery

By Justin Carlson

08/04/2023

Despite statewide job gains in June, eight of Illinois’ metro areas lost jobs for the month. Most areas still haven’t recovered to pre-pandemic job levels.

Illinois adding casinos, but video gaming pays over 3X as much tax

By Dylan Sharkey

07/17/2023

Illinois is on pace for four new casinos in 2023, but the state’s tax payout from video gambling in local bars and restaurants remains a much bigger win.

TAGS: gambling

Danville

Illinois home prices jump as inventory plunges

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

Nine of 15 Illinois metros add jobs in December as employment gains trail nation

Only 6 of 15 Illinois metro areas gained jobs in October

Unemployment persists in Illinois metro areas during August

Unemployment rates remain high across Illinois metro areas

Unemployment tops U.S. average in all but 2 Illinois areas during June

5 Illinois metro areas await pandemic recovery, most add jobs in December

Most Illinois metro areas shed jobs in June, await pandemic recovery

Illinois adding casinos, but video gaming pays over 3X as much tax

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

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