Illinois moves over $300M out of road fund as infrastructure crumbles

By Ravi Mishra

07/02/2025

Illinois’ latest budget diverts millions in infrastructure funds to cover structural budget deficits despite substandard road conditions.

Illinois adds 21,200 jobs, but trails most neighboring states in growth

By Jack Knorr

07/01/2025

Despite Illinois experiencing job growth in some sectors, it remains one of the states with the highest unemployment rates. It’s been that way for 66 of the 77 months J.B. Pritzker has been governor thanks to high taxes and too much state spending.

TAGS: jobs, unemployment

Betting on DraftKings, FanDuel? Expect to see Illinois’ new 50-cent fee

By Dylan Sharkey

07/01/2025

Illinois is adding a 25-cent fee to all bets and 50-cent fee to high-volume sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel starting July 1. Illinoisans lost $1.12 billion in 2024, with $700 million of that on parlays. The new fees will add even more to that total.

TAGS: Illinois gambling, sports betting, taxes

Gas, FanDuel, Zyn, AT&T, VRBO: 5 new taxes hitting Illinoisans July 1

By Charlotte Rotkis

06/30/2025

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a $55.2 billion budget propped up by five new tax hikes starting July 1. Gas, phone bills, tobacco, sportsbooks and rentals such as VRBO will all come with higher taxes in Illinois.

Fireworks freedom denied: Illinois 1 of only 3 states still saying ‘no’

By Charlotte Rotkis

06/30/2025

While 47 states celebrate freedom with fireworks blazing across the sky, Illinois clings to a 1942 ban that limits autonomy and ignores safety data. Illinois residents cross state lines to partake in fireworks fun, while the state loses revenue and credibility.

TAGS: fireworks ban, Independence Day, taxes

Pritzker’s latest gas tax hike greets Independence Day travelers

By Rich Witzel

06/30/2025

Just in time for Independence Day travel, drivers will face Illinois’ latest gasoline tax hike. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has added 29 cents per gallon since 2019 – costing the average driver $143 more per year.

TAGS: gas, JB Pritzker, taxes

Vallas: J.B. Pritzker’s $55.2B budget fuels Illinois’ financial death spiral

By Paul Vallas

06/27/2025

J.B. Pritzker wants a third term as Illinois governor, but based on his history of boosting taxes and creating spending records, can Illinois afford him for four more years? Will the state grow even smaller as Illinoisans get fed up and leave?

TAGS: JB Pritzker, outmigration, taxes

Chicago’s South Side gets over 3X tickets per red-light cam as North Side

By Patrick Andriesen

06/27/2025

Red-light cameras on Chicago’s South Side issued more than triple the number of tickets per intersection as on the North Side between June 2024 and May 2025. Fines citywide dropped over $12 million from the previous 12 months.

TAGS: Chicago, red light cameras

July 1 starts Illinois laws on gender-inclusiveness, climate education, prostitution privacy

By Lilly Rossi

06/27/2025

Climate change education, gender inclusiveness, birth certificates, prostitution privacy, court translators and insulin costs all received attention from the Illinois General Assembly. Laws involving them take effect July 1. Plus, the state gasoline tax goes up.

TAGS: education, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, regulations

Vallas: Illinois returning to soft bigotry of low expectations

By Paul Vallas

06/26/2025

Illinois students are not learning, but instead of boosting the quality of education state leaders are trying to lower standards so scores don’t look as bad. Blame it on the Chicago Teachers Union and other teachers unions pushing for less accountability.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, education

Illinois

Illinois moves over $300M out of road fund as infrastructure crumbles

Illinois adds 21,200 jobs, but trails most neighboring states in growth

Betting on DraftKings, FanDuel? Expect to see Illinois’ new 50-cent fee

Gas, FanDuel, Zyn, AT&T, VRBO: 5 new taxes hitting Illinoisans July 1

Fireworks freedom denied: Illinois 1 of only 3 states still saying ‘no’

Pritzker’s latest gas tax hike greets Independence Day travelers

Vallas: J.B. Pritzker’s $55.2B budget fuels Illinois’ financial death spiral

Chicago’s South Side gets over 3X tickets per red-light cam as North Side

July 1 starts Illinois laws on gender-inclusiveness, climate education, prostitution privacy

Vallas: Illinois returning to soft bigotry of low expectations

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

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