Illinois tax rates rank No. 1: highest in U.S.

By Patrick Andriesen, Dylan Sharkey

03/15/2022

Illinoisans now pay the highest combined state and local tax rates in the nation. Those taxes take more than 15% of their household income each year.

Illinois missing nearly twice as many jobs as U.S.

By Bryce Hill

03/14/2022

Revisions show Illinois added 17,400 more jobs in 2021 than previously thought, but the state’s recovery still significantly lags the U.S. recovery rate.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, jobs, unemployment

Illinois leads U.S. for people moving out: 8th year of loss

By Patrick Andriesen

03/14/2022

Illinois reported the largest outmigration of residents of any state during 2021, marking the 8th consecutive year of population decline in Illinois. Chicago similarly saw more residents move away than any metropolitan area in the nation.

TAGS: Illinois, outmigration, population

Lightfoot considers ending Chicago gas tax amid record prices

By Patrick Andriesen

03/14/2022

Mayor Lori Lightfoot is considering a repeal of Chicago’s 8-cent-per-gallon gas tax to alleviate record-breaking prices. State gas taxes doubled in 2019 and state leaders are also considering a repeal.

TAGS: Chicago, gas tax

Madigan pleads ‘not guilty’ to 22-count corruption indictment

By Dylan Sharkey

03/10/2022

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan entered a “not guilty” plea to federal racketeering and bribery charges March 9.

TAGS: corruption, federal investigation, Mike Madigan

After 2 years, it’s time to limit Pritzker’s emergency powers

By Joe Tabor

03/09/2022

March 12 marks two years of life under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s emergency powers. It is time lawmakers had a say in how long those powers last.

TAGS: COVID-19, emergency powers, JB Pritzker

Your Story: COVID 19’s 2nd anniversary proves Illinoisans remain resilient

03/08/2022

During the past two years, about 80 Illinoisans shared how the COVID-19 pandemic was changing their lives, children’s educations and businesses. Here is how some of them have come through the pandemic, both those who thrived and those who lost.

Amendment 1 would cement strikes as go-to weapon for Chicago Teachers Union

By Hannah Schmid

03/08/2022

The Chicago Teachers Union has gone on strike five times and walked out on students at least three other times since it got the right to strike in 1984. Gaining greater power through Amendment 1 would embolden militant union tactics.

TAGS: Amendment 1, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, strike

Pritzker fact check: College applications up because high schools now require them

By Dylan Sharkey

03/08/2022

Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently boasted Illinois was No. 1 for growth in high school applications for college aid. He failed to mention state law now makes students complete the application if they want to graduate.

TAGS: FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid, JB Pritzker

Chicago Public Schools to end mask mandate March 14

By Patrick Andriesen

03/08/2022

Chicago Public Schools will make masks optional for students and staff starting March 14, following CDC guidance. The Chicago Teacher’s Union said union leaders were working to block the decision and keep students masked.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, mask mandate

Illinois

Illinois tax rates rank No. 1: highest in U.S.

Illinois missing nearly twice as many jobs as U.S.

Illinois leads U.S. for people moving out: 8th year of loss

Lightfoot considers ending Chicago gas tax amid record prices

Madigan pleads ‘not guilty’ to 22-count corruption indictment

After 2 years, it’s time to limit Pritzker’s emergency powers

Your Story: COVID 19’s 2nd anniversary proves Illinoisans remain resilient

Amendment 1 would cement strikes as go-to weapon for Chicago Teachers Union

Pritzker fact check: College applications up because high schools now require them

Chicago Public Schools to end mask mandate March 14

Taxed out: 10 reforms to stop Illinois from losing people and jobs

Report Archive

Take advantage of the various ways to vote

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students