Illinois forms businesses at one of lowest rates in Midwest

By Bryce Hill

08/12/2025

Despite leading the region in businesses applying to open, Illinois’ combative business climate results in few business actually starting.

Illinois ranks 17th for best state to live in: hurt by economy, affordability

By Jerry Barmore

08/11/2025

A new ranking of the best states to live in puts Illinois at No. 17. It could have scored much better, but the state economy ranked near the bottom of the nation. Quality of life ranked near the top.

26 tax ideas Chicago’s mayor is thinking about imposing

By Ravi Mishra

08/11/2025

A $1.12 billion budget gap spurs Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to circulate a menu of 26 tax hikes. Instead of making Chicago even more hostile to taxpayers, he should be looking at budget reforms and ways to stop spending so much.

Vallas: Pritzker works on national profile as Illinoisans tire of him

By Paul Vallas

08/11/2025

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is burnishing his national image as a Democratic presidential candidate by inserting himself in the Texas redistricting controversy. But Illinoisans are growing tired of Pritzker and taxation, pushing his favorability rating into the negative.

Chicago mayor wants to keep taxing groceries despite hit to families

By Ravi Mishra

08/08/2025

As food costs soar, Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to keep hurting Chicago’s working families with a grocery tax. He faces a $1.12 billion deficit that a $73 million grocery tax won’t budge.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

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

TAGS: affordable housing

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

Illinois

Illinois forms businesses at one of lowest rates in Midwest

Illinois ranks 17th for best state to live in: hurt by economy, affordability

26 tax ideas Chicago’s mayor is thinking about imposing

Vallas: Pritzker works on national profile as Illinoisans tire of him

Chicago mayor wants to keep taxing groceries despite hit to families

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

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