Illinois housing prices climb, production remains slow

By LyLena Estabine

08/07/2025

June housing production in Illinois continues to lag the rest of the nation, leading to price problems across the state

Over half of Illinoisans unhappy with Pritzker

By Dylan Sharkey

08/07/2025

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is on the wrong side of public opinion, with new polling showing most voters view him unfavorably. They cited high taxes as their top concern. The poll should concern Pritzker as he eyes a third term and a White House run.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Chicago mayor recycles failed tax idea to fix $1.12B deficit

By Ravi Mishra

08/05/2025

As Chicago faces a major deficit for fiscal year 2026, Mayor Brandon Johnson is considering resurrecting a failed idea that punishes job creation: the corporate head tax.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, Chicago, head tax

August is teacher union opt-out time: what you need to know

By Lilly Rossi

08/04/2025

There is one time a year for most public education employees to opt out of their teachers union. That time is now. Here’s why it might make sense for you.

TAGS: opt out, teachers union

North Carolina makes first move to join federal school choice; Illinois should, too

By Patrick Andriesen

08/01/2025

The North Carolina state legislature became the first in the U.S. to approve a bill joining the Educational Choice for Children Act. Illinois owes the same to its children after taking away private-school choice from over 15,000 low-income students.

TAGS: school choice

Suburban Chicago house tax plan would choke lagging growth

By LyLena Estabine

07/31/2025

The Illinois Senate attempted to pass a “rescue package” for Chicago area mass transit that would punish suburban homeowners with a new real estate transfer tax. State leaders must instead focus on reforms to boost housing and economic growth.

5 new bills help fix Illinois education, but more is needed

By Rich Witzel

07/31/2025

About 2-in-5 Illinois elementary students can read at grade level, so there is a lot of room for improvement. Five new bills would improve student outcomes and parental involvement.

TAGS: public schools

Illinois economy declines 2.2% in early 2025, one of biggest drops in U.S.

By Ravi Mishra

07/31/2025

Illinois’ latest drop in gross domestic product shows broader issues with the state. The state’s real GDP has been struggling for years.

TAGS: GDP: gross domestic product

Report shows Illinois government pension crisis worst in U.S.

By LyLena Estabine

07/31/2025

Illinois has the nation’s worst public pension crisis. Nationwide analysis from the Equable Institute shows Illinois state pensions remain fiscally unstable and threaten retirees and taxpayers, underscoring the need for reform.

Illinois teachers can opt out of unions in August. Here’s why they should.

By Mailee Smith

07/30/2025

Just 15% to 26% of Illinois teachers union spending was on representing teachers in 2024. But public education employees can opt out of union membership and keep their hard-earned money.

TAGS: IEA-NEA: Illinois Education Association

Illinois

Illinois housing prices climb, production remains slow

Over half of Illinoisans unhappy with Pritzker

Chicago mayor recycles failed tax idea to fix $1.12B deficit

August is teacher union opt-out time: what you need to know

North Carolina makes first move to join federal school choice; Illinois should, too

Suburban Chicago house tax plan would choke lagging growth

5 new bills help fix Illinois education, but more is needed

Illinois economy declines 2.2% in early 2025, one of biggest drops in U.S.

Report shows Illinois government pension crisis worst in U.S.

Illinois teachers can opt out of unions in August. Here’s why they should.

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

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