Workers penalized just for living in Illinois

By Kurtis Karg, Dylan Sharkey

05/31/2024

Illinois workers are at a disadvantage compared to people in other states with the same job. Illinois’ 4.8% unemployment rate is third-highest in the nation.

TAGS: jobs

Chicago Public Schools’ academic struggles top Chicagoans’ concerns

By Hannah Schmid

05/31/2024

Half of Chicagoans said their biggest concern was “students not learning enough academically.” They expect Chicago Public Schools to “prepare students to go to college.” But the Chicago Teachers Union is demanding more schools that fail those expectations.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Illinois retailers taxed $186M by capping sales tax credit

By Patrick Andriesen

05/30/2024

A cap on the retailers’ sales tax credit will effectively hikes taxes on Illinois retailers by $186 million. Retailers are already facing razor-thin margins, but the record $53.1 billion state budget required $1.1 billion in new taxes.

TAGS: sales tax

See how well your local 3rd graders can read

By Hannah Schmid

05/30/2024

Third grade is a critical year for young readers, predicting the success of their entire educations. See how well your local schools are doing at producing proficient readers by the end of third grade.

TAGS: ISBE: Illinois State Board of Education, public schools

Literacy in Illinois: Low third-grade reading proficiency warns of trouble ahead

By Hannah Schmid

05/30/2024

Third grade marks a critical reading milestone: if students struggle then, they will face greater problems during the rest of their educations. State data shows 7 of 10 Illinois third graders can’t read at grade level, meaning there’s trouble awaiting most Illinois students.

TAGS: public schools

Illinois’ new budget ends statewide grocery tax

By Kurtis Karg, Dylan Sharkey

05/29/2024

The new state budget eliminates the 1% grocery tax, placing Illinois with 37 other states by 2026. But the bill gives municipalities the option to implement their own tax without voter approval.

Illinois General Assembly OKs $1.1B in tax hikes for record $53.1B spending

By Bryce Hill

05/29/2024

Illinois state lawmakers’ spending plans came in $410 million higher than what Gov. J.B. Pritzker originally proposed. Taxpayers will be forced to pay $1.1 billion more so Illinois can spend record amounts in fiscal year 2025.

TAGS: budget, JB Pritzker, taxes

Editorial: Illinois public schools lose 127,000 students since pandemic

By Hilary Gowins

05/28/2024

As public school enrollment continues to drop, Illinois faces the prospect of a smaller future workforce.

TAGS: public schools

Report: How Illinois can give parents more choice within public school system

By Hannah Schmid

05/28/2024

Illinois has limited charter school options or open enrollment policies. Lawmakers should expand public school choice options in Illinois to give families more control over their children’s education.

Chicago lags as 8 of 13 Illinois metro areas add jobs in April

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

05/23/2024

Illinois grew jobs in eight of its 13 metropolitan areas during April, but the Chicago area’s sluggish growth and a stubbornly high unemployment rate tempered any gains.

TAGS: jobs, metro areas, unemployment

Illinois

Workers penalized just for living in Illinois

Chicago Public Schools’ academic struggles top Chicagoans’ concerns

Illinois retailers taxed $186M by capping sales tax credit

See how well your local 3rd graders can read

Literacy in Illinois: Low third-grade reading proficiency warns of trouble ahead

Illinois’ new budget ends statewide grocery tax

Illinois General Assembly OKs $1.1B in tax hikes for record $53.1B spending

Editorial: Illinois public schools lose 127,000 students since pandemic

Report: How Illinois can give parents more choice within public school system

Chicago lags as 8 of 13 Illinois metro areas add jobs in April

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