Illinois population grows in 2024 despite 56K residents leaving for other states

By Bryce Hill

12/19/2024

A massive influx of 112,955 international migrants boosted Illinois population in 2024, new Census Bureau data shows. Buses from Texas likely grew Illinois’ population.

TAGS: Chicago, outmigration, population

Leaving kids home alone at Christmas could still land you on naughty list

By Patrick Andriesen

12/19/2024

Illinois no longer has the highest home alone age in the nation, but it might not be the Christmas gift parents were hoping for. Illinoisans should still get a sitter or risk coming under investigation.

Suburban Chicago voters to tell state leaders about pension reform need

By Dylan Sharkey

12/18/2024

Winfield Township voters will have a chance to impact Illinois’ pension crisis in the April 1 election. They won’t directly change any laws, but voters can send a strong signal to state lawmakers about pensions causing Illinois’ property tax pain.

Holiday scratch-off tickets surpass $2 billion in sales

By Dylan Sharkey

12/18/2024

Holiday scratch-off tickets are a popular stocking stuffer. Illinoisans dropped about $2 billion on tickets in a year, and it’s the biggest moneymaker for the Illinois Lottery.

Illinois state pension debt climbs to $144B

By LyLena Estabine

12/16/2024

Illinois' unfunded statewide public pension liabilities grew another $1.5 billion in the past year. Better investment returns couldn’t keep up with public worker pensions growing faster than projected.

Record-setting holiday season expecting nearly 120M travelers

By Dylan Sharkey

12/16/2024

AAA estimates nearly 120 million people will travel 50 miles or more this holiday season. Most of those will travel by car, so Illinois’ gas taxes will make it an expensive ride for them.

Homer Township lets voters weigh in on pension reform, key issues

By Dylan Sharkey

12/13/2024

Voters in Homer Township will have the chance to weigh in on public pension reform, federal and state redistricting and unfunded state mandates. Illinois state lawmakers have yet to act on the trio of issues.

Nearly $50K property tax bills robs ‘Home Alone’ house

By Patrick Andriesen

12/13/2024

The current owners of Kevin McCallister’s house from the “Home Alone” movie will pay nearly $50,000 in property taxes this year. Illinoisans pay more than twice as much as the typical American in property taxes.

TAGS: property taxes

4 things wrong with how Illinois leaders want to change public schooling

By Hannah Schmid

12/12/2024

A report outlining public education reform in Illinois doesn’t address a core issue facing students: reading proficiency. It also lowers standards for students and threatens to muddle the understanding of students’ progress.

TAGS: public schools

Studies: Cook County No. 6 ‘judicial hellhole,’ lawsuit abuse costs each Illinois family $4,281

By Jerry Barmore

12/11/2024

Jackpot justice in Illinois recently drew the ire of two national groups. Cook County was labeled a leading “judicial hellhole.” Lawsuit abuse imposes a $4,281 cost on each Illinois household. State lawmakers, trial lawyers and plaintiff-friendly courts are to blame.

TAGS: Cook County

Illinois

Illinois population grows in 2024 despite 56K residents leaving for other states

Leaving kids home alone at Christmas could still land you on naughty list

Suburban Chicago voters to tell state leaders about pension reform need

Holiday scratch-off tickets surpass $2 billion in sales

Illinois state pension debt climbs to $144B

Record-setting holiday season expecting nearly 120M travelers

Homer Township lets voters weigh in on pension reform, key issues

Nearly $50K property tax bills robs ‘Home Alone’ house

4 things wrong with how Illinois leaders want to change public schooling

Studies: Cook County No. 6 ‘judicial hellhole,’ lawsuit abuse costs each Illinois family $4,281

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

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