Illinois’ rural counties shrink fastest in 2023

By Bryce Hill

03/18/2024

While Cook County experienced the largest decline, less-populous Illinois counties were losing people at the fastest rate last year.

TAGS: outmigration, population

Every Illinois metro area lost people in 2023; Chicago 3rd worst in nation

By Bryce Hill

03/15/2024

Illinois’ population decline crisis has now spread to every major metropolitan area in the state. Chicago continued losing residents in 2023.

Cook County 2nd-worst in U.S. as 87 of 102 Illinois counties lose population

By Bryce Hill

03/14/2024

Illinois’ population decline crisis continues to affect virtually all counties despite fewer losses in 2023. Cook County saw nation’s second-highest number of residents moving out.

Johnson’s ‘Bring Chicago Home’ tax hike could fund Chicago Teachers Union’s contract demands

By Dylan Sharkey

03/13/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union is pushing Mayor Brandon Johnson’s real estate tax hike with cash and by taking students out of school to vote. The heavy push is understandable when CTU mentions the tax hike as a revenue source for their contract demands.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, real estate transfer tax

6 Illinois metro areas await pandemic recovery, just 6 add jobs in January

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

03/11/2024

Six of the 13 Illinois metro areas still reported fewer jobs than prior to the pandemic. Six metros added jobs from December 2023 to January 2024, led by the Champaign-Urbana area.

TAGS: jobs, unemployment

Illinois’ unemployment rate ranks 4th worst in the nation

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

03/11/2024

Illinois’ unemployment rate ranked fourth worst in the nation in January 2024 after a decline in the number of jobs statewide during the past 12 months. Illinois continues to lag the nation and all its neighbors in job growth.

Nearly all Illinois public universities report higher costs, less money to operate

By Patrick Andriesen

03/11/2024

Every Illinois public university received about one-third less operational funding from the state in fiscal year 2024 than 15 years ago. University of Illinois spending per student dropped by nearly half.

Report: Low-income scholarship students score better than public school peers

By Hannah Schmid

03/08/2024

A report shows low-income students receiving Invest in Kids tax-credit scholarships were more proficient in reading and math in nearly every grade in 2023 than low-income students in Illinois public schools. Their high school reading bested statewide scores.

TAGS: Invest in Kids

Pritzker plans to keep $45 your family should be taking off state taxes

By Patrick Andriesen

03/07/2024

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposed reduction of Illinois’ standard income tax exemption would increase taxes for over 11 million individuals. Some state leaders warn the effective tax hike would hit working families hardest.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Appellate decision: Votes on Bring Chicago Home referendum will count

By Dylan Sharkey

03/06/2024

Votes on Chicago’s March 19 referendum will count, according to an Illinois Appellate Court ruling. Now voters must weigh the merits of the real estate transfer tax hike.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, real estate transfer tax

Illinois

Illinois’ rural counties shrink fastest in 2023

Every Illinois metro area lost people in 2023; Chicago 3rd worst in nation

Cook County 2nd-worst in U.S. as 87 of 102 Illinois counties lose population

Johnson’s ‘Bring Chicago Home’ tax hike could fund Chicago Teachers Union’s contract demands

6 Illinois metro areas await pandemic recovery, just 6 add jobs in January

Illinois’ unemployment rate ranks 4th worst in the nation

Nearly all Illinois public universities report higher costs, less money to operate

Report: Low-income scholarship students score better than public school peers

Pritzker plans to keep $45 your family should be taking off state taxes

Appellate decision: Votes on Bring Chicago Home referendum will count

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

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