5 ways state law empowers the Chicago Teachers Union and how it can change

By Gerrin Alexander

02/10/2026

The union's extraordinary power in Chicago is propped up by actions in Springfield.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago business activity growing for first time since November 2023

By Josh Bandoch, Jon Josko

02/09/2026

Chicago employment situation improves after hitting lowest level since 2009 in December 2025.

Waste watch: Illinois gives $1.5M to ICE opponents

By Geoff Feinstein

02/09/2026

Illinois lawmakers funded a Hispanic chamber of commerce connected to Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Its chief opposes ICE deportations.

The good and bad in Pritzker pension proposals

By LyLena Estabine

02/06/2026

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced plans to handle Illinois’ pension crisis. Some build on proven reforms while others could delay real progress.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Waste watch: Illinois gives almost $1.2M to labor activist group

By Geoff Feinstein

02/06/2026

Illinois lawmakers provided nearly $1.2 million to a political advocacy group promoting progressive labor policies. Little info was offered about how the taxes will be used.

Three-peat: Illinois’ pension system last place for 3rd year in a row

By LyLena Estabine

02/05/2026

Illinois state pensions have less money to pay retirees than any state according to Equable Institute. It’s the third year in a row for Illinois coming in last.

Illinois must keep promise to join nursing group or risk millions

By Joe Tabor

02/05/2026

To get part of $50 billion for a federal health program, Illinois promised to join nurse licensure and physician assistant compacts. Will state lawmakers keep that promise?

Illinois’ social mobility is worst in Midwest

By Josh Bandoch

02/05/2026

 Illinois placed 38th nationally for social mobility. Its rank was pulled down by economic problems and corruption in its legal system.

Kifowit bill risks digging Illinois pension hole deeper

By LyLena Estabine

02/04/2026

Illinois lawmakers propose a Tier 2 pension expansion that adds costly sweeteners, despite struggling to keep up with current obligations.

Illinois No. 2 in U.S. for high gas taxes

By Brad Weisenstein

02/04/2026

Illinoisans pay the third-highest gas taxes in the nation at nearly $0.85 per gallon. California leads and Michigan edged into the No. 2 spot.

TAGS: gas tax

Illinois

5 ways state law empowers the Chicago Teachers Union and how it can change

Chicago business activity growing for first time since November 2023

Waste watch: Illinois gives $1.5M to ICE opponents

The good and bad in Pritzker pension proposals

Waste watch: Illinois gives almost $1.2M to labor activist group

Three-peat: Illinois’ pension system last place for 3rd year in a row

Illinois must keep promise to join nursing group or risk millions

Illinois’ social mobility is worst in Midwest

Kifowit bill risks digging Illinois pension hole deeper

Illinois No. 2 in U.S. for high gas taxes

Who Lives Below the Poverty Line in Illinois? Family Structure and Education Mark the Highest Risk

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