85% of Illinois communities lose people in 2022; Chicago loses 33k

By Bryce Hill

05/17/2023

1,108 Illinois communities of all sizes shared in the record loss of more than 104,000 residents in 2022, according to new Census Bureau data. Chicago lost 32% of the state’s total.

Chicago Public Schools principals file petition to unionize

By Patrick Andriesen

05/17/2023

The Chicago Principals and Administration Association president said the new union would advocate for better pay and working conditions. But Chicago Public School principals already earn nearly 30% more than their Illinois peers.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Brandon Johnson issues 4 executive orders on 1st day in office

By Dylan Sharkey

05/17/2023

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is starting his administration with four executive orders, expanding youth employment and adding three new deputy mayors for immigration, labor and community safety.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

Illinois’ revenue volatility among highest in U.S., threatens budget stability

By Justin Carlson

05/17/2023

Illinois just saw a $1.76 billion drop in state income tax collections, proving what a new study just showed: state tax policies give it the nation’s eighth-most volatile revenues. That also makes Illinois very vulnerable when a recession hits.

Illinois state revenue projections cut by $800M after much weaker Tax Day

By Justin Carlson

05/16/2023

April 2023 Illinois state income tax collections came in $1.8 billion lower than April 2022, leading state forecasters to make massive cuts in expected 2023 revenue.

Illinois gas tax revenue hits $212 million in April, highest monthly total this year

By Dylan Sharkey

05/09/2023

Illinois is eighth in the nation for most expensive gas, and reduced oil production in May could drive prices even higher. It all means more taxes for the state.

4 ways Springfield should combat ‘ComEd 4’ corruption

By Joe Tabor

05/09/2023

A jury found all “ComEd Four” defendants guilty of bribing Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan in exchange for favorable legislation. It was an alarm for Springfield lawmakers that half-measures don’t work and lasting ethics reform is needed in Illinois.

Illinois’ COVID disaster ends after 1,155 days

By Dylan Sharkey

05/09/2023

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 42nd and final disaster proclamation has expired after 1,155 days in a state of emergency. Illinois was 1 of only 6 states still under emergency orders because of the pandemic.

TAGS: Commonwealth Edison, corruption

‘ComEd Four’ defendant convicted in bribery scheme could keep pension

By Patrick Andriesen

05/05/2023

Officials at the General Assembly Retirement System suspended Michael McClain’s legislative pension after he was convicted on nine counts of bribery in the ‘ComEd Four’ trial. Precedent suggests it may not be permanent.

TAGS: ComEd, Mike Madigan

Pennsylvania unions push misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1

By Mailee Smith

05/04/2023

Pennsylvania’s House Bill 950 is worded exactly like Illinois’ Amendment 1. Illinois labor leaders recently claimed Illinois’ amendment is the “blueprint” for other states, such as Pennsylvania.

Illinois

85% of Illinois communities lose people in 2022; Chicago loses 33k

Chicago Public Schools principals file petition to unionize

Brandon Johnson issues 4 executive orders on 1st day in office

Illinois’ revenue volatility among highest in U.S., threatens budget stability

Illinois state revenue projections cut by $800M after much weaker Tax Day

Illinois gas tax revenue hits $212 million in April, highest monthly total this year

4 ways Springfield should combat ‘ComEd 4’ corruption

Illinois’ COVID disaster ends after 1,155 days

‘ComEd Four’ defendant convicted in bribery scheme could keep pension

Pennsylvania unions push misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1

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