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

Illinois’ out-of-state cannabis sales drop to 2-year low

By Dylan Sharkey

03/28/2023

Out-of-state cannabis sales fell to $31 million in February, the lowest since February 2021. Missouri starting recreational pot sales at a lower cost is a major factor.

Chicago has more pension debt than 44 states

By Justin Carlson

03/28/2023

Despite claims of Chicago’s improving financial condition, the $48 billion in pension debt for the city’s core retirement systems continues to loom over its fiscal future.

Loophole will let Brandon Johnson collect public pension now worth $1.1M

By Bryce Hill

03/23/2023

Mayoral candidate and Chicago Teachers Union organizer Brandon Johnson is eligible to collect an estimated $1.1 million pension through the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund despite only teaching for four years. His future path could yield a public pension worth over $2.8 million.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

‘Ballot selfies’ are a felony in Illinois

By Dylan Sharkey

03/23/2023

Voters wanting to show their Election Day pride should be careful. Sharing a voting-booth selfie on social media is a felony in Illinois.

TAGS: Chicago, election

Illinois job growth among worst in U.S. during Pritzker’s first term

By Justin Carlson

03/22/2023

All 11 major industries in Illinois were among the worst in the nation for job growth from January 2019 to January 2023, with each of them ranking in the bottom half in the nation.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Illinois families pay highest state, local taxes in nation

By Dylan Sharkey

03/21/2023

A new WalletHub study found the typical household in Illinois pays 15% of its income to state and local taxes, the highest in the nation. That’s an average of $10,463 – a 22% hike since 2017.

Pritzker pushes cash to keep teachers in Illinois schools

By Dylan Sharkey

03/17/2023

Gov. J.B. Pritzker introduced a Teacher Pipeline Grant Program to address teacher vacancies, but getting more money into classrooms rather than it chasing retirement debt is a better solution.

TAGS: Governor Pritzker

How to protect your vote from fraud in Illinois

By Hannah Schmid

03/16/2023

Illinois voters can join the growing ranks of registered voters who have applied for permanent vote-by-mail status to ensure they never miss another election and their vote cannot be stolen.

TAGS: Chicago voting, Illinois voting, mail-in ballot, vote-by-mail

What are the facts about voting by mail in Illinois?

By Hannah Schmid

03/16/2023

Applications are open for registered voters to apply to vote by mail in the upcoming April 4 local elections.

TAGS: Chicago election, city of chicago, local elections, vote-by-mail

Illinois

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

Illinois’ out-of-state cannabis sales drop to 2-year low

Chicago has more pension debt than 44 states

Loophole will let Brandon Johnson collect public pension now worth $1.1M

‘Ballot selfies’ are a felony in Illinois

Illinois job growth among worst in U.S. during Pritzker’s first term

Illinois families pay highest state, local taxes in nation

Pritzker pushes cash to keep teachers in Illinois schools

How to protect your vote from fraud in Illinois

What are the facts about voting by mail in 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