Illinois lowers standards making more students seem “proficient”

By Hannah Schmid

08/22/2025

Illinois students are struggling to meet proficiency standards on state assessments. Instead of working to improve student learning, the state is lowering standards to hide the crisis.

How Chicago Teachers Union acts like Illinois’ newest political party

By Lilly Rossi

08/22/2025

The Chicago Teachers Union and its president want a say about fixing Chicago’s transit and health care problems, rather than focusing on its education problem. CTU’s answer to every problem? More taxes from Chicagoans and the rest of the state.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Illinois adds 20,300 jobs in a year, but 301,000 seek work in July

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

08/20/2025

Illinois continues to be one of the slowest growing economies in the nation, ranking 46th in post-pandemic job recovery and adding just 20,300 jobs in the past year. Unemployment remained above the national average.

Chicago printer LSC cuts 180 jobs of 444 statewide losses in July

By Patrick Andriesen

08/20/2025

Illinois companies announced 444 mass layoffs in July. LSC Communications Transport in Bolingbrook, also known as Enru Logistics, accounted for over one-third of job losses.

Chicago businesses fall to 10-year low, Mag Mile down by half

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

08/20/2025

Chicago had 44,840 licensed businesses operating in the city last year, fewer than any year in the past decade and 17% less than during 2015. The Magnificent Mile reported the largest drop, with active business licenses falling by over half.

Cook County homeowners paid $2 billion extra in property taxes because of appeal process

By LyLena Estabine, Cameron Jasper

08/15/2025

When a Cook County business successfully appeals their property taxes, the county just shifts that burden to homeowners. This meant an extra $2 billion in residential property taxes instead of a lower property tax levy.

Illinois needs a limitation on special property tax district extensions

By LyLena Estabine, Cameron Jasper

08/15/2025

Tax increment financing districts divert public property tax dollars with little oversight, letting cities keep special taxing powers for decades, often misusing funds and shortchanging taxpayers.

TAGS: TIF: Tax Increment Financing

Government benefit system traps 710,000 Illinoisans

By Dylan Sharkey

08/14/2025

Benefit programs in Illinois punish people for hard work. An estimated 710,000 Illinoisans have intentionally held themselves back financially to avoid losing government benefits.

Chicago retirement fund for first responders at greater risk

By LyLena Estabine

08/14/2025

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a law adding $11.1 billion in new liabilities to Chicago’s fire and police pensions, already the worst-funded in the nation. These “sweeteners” hurt retirement security more than they help.

Back to school: 3rd grade reading key to helping 2-in-3 struggling Illinois juniors

By Hannah Schmid

08/14/2025

Students in Illinois are steadily returning to class across Illinois’ 866 school districts and 3,835 schools. The state’s public schools have a lot of room for improvement to prepare students for life beyond the classroom.

TAGS: public schools

Illinois

Illinois lowers standards making more students seem “proficient”

How Chicago Teachers Union acts like Illinois’ newest political party

Illinois adds 20,300 jobs in a year, but 301,000 seek work in July

Chicago printer LSC cuts 180 jobs of 444 statewide losses in July

Chicago businesses fall to 10-year low, Mag Mile down by half

Cook County homeowners paid $2 billion extra in property taxes because of appeal process

Illinois needs a limitation on special property tax district extensions

Government benefit system traps 710,000 Illinoisans

Chicago retirement fund for first responders at greater risk

Back to school: 3rd grade reading key to helping 2-in-3 struggling Illinois juniors

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

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