How Illinois politicians allow government unions to rewrite state law

By Mailee Smith, Hannah Schmid

04/06/2023

No other state’s constitution or labor laws are like Illinois’ – broadly allowing government unions to override statutes simply by negotiating contrary provisions into collective bargaining agreements. Illinois may not be alone for long.

Cook County population decline, outmigration 2nd-worst in U.S.

By Bryce Hill

03/30/2023

94,344 residents moved out of Cook County, the sole reason for 2022 population decline.

TAGS: Cook County, population, U.S. Census Bureau

Pritzker fact check: Illinoisans pay 4th-highest college tuition in nation

By Dylan Sharkey

01/24/2023

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is making free college a priority in his second term. Tuition is driven up by pension costs, which Pritzker routinely ignores.

TAGS: college tuition, JB Pritzker

Outmigration caused Illinois’ population to decline again in 2022

By Bryce Hill

12/22/2022

New Census Bureau data shows people moving out of Illinois continues to drive the state’s population decline. So many moved away in the year before July 2022, it was almost like Rockford disappearing.

TAGS: Illinois, outmigration, population

Forbes: Illinois 3rd in nation for people leaving

By Dylan Sharkey

11/17/2022

Forbes magazine highlighted Illinois as one of the top states residents are fleeing for more tax-friendly climates.

TAGS: outmigration, population

Illinois already has most extreme labor laws in U.S.

By Mailee Smith, Hannah Schmid

11/04/2022

Illinois law already allows some government union contracts to override state law. Amendment 1 would allow all government union contracts to do so.

TAGS: Amendment 1, labor, unions, workers rights amendment

Crypto exchange FTX moving U.S. headquarters out of Illinois

By Dylan Sharkey

09/29/2022

FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried announced the cryptocurrency exchange is moving its U.S. headquarters to Miami. It’s the fifth major company to relocate its headquarters out of Illinois this year.

Pritzker’s Texas disaster declaration comes as pandemic disaster expires

By Dylan Sharkey

09/15/2022

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a disaster declaration because over 500 immigrants were bused to Chicago by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. This disaster is atop the pandemic disaster he is expected to renew for the 34th time.

TAGS: emergency powers, JB Pritzker

Illinois ranks No. 2 in nation for small business layoffs

By Patrick Andriesen

09/12/2022

Illinois ranked No. 2 in the nation for number of small businesses planning to lay off employees in the coming months. A majority of entrepreneurs have already put a freeze on new hires. Amendment 1 threatens Illinois’ business climate even more.

TAGS: small business

Portillo’s expanding in states with better economies than Illinois

By Dylan Sharkey

08/29/2022

Portillo’s CEO Michael Osanloo said the Illinois-based chain is looking to expand in states more friendly to businesses.

TAGS: economy, jobs

Florida

How Illinois politicians allow government unions to rewrite state law

Cook County population decline, outmigration 2nd-worst in U.S.

Pritzker fact check: Illinoisans pay 4th-highest college tuition in nation

Outmigration caused Illinois’ population to decline again in 2022

Forbes: Illinois 3rd in nation for people leaving

Illinois already has most extreme labor laws in U.S.

Crypto exchange FTX moving U.S. headquarters out of Illinois

Pritzker’s Texas disaster declaration comes as pandemic disaster expires

Illinois ranks No. 2 in nation for small business layoffs

Portillo’s expanding in states with better economies than Illinois

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