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

Report: Illinois tax-credit scholarship students see largest year-over-year learning gains

By Hannah Schmid

03/05/2024

The Illinois State Board of Education released a late, flawed report on the Invest in Kids scholarship program. Despite comparing apples to oranges, the report shows the Invest in Kids program worked for low-income kids.

TAGS: Invest in Kids

Illinois’ political corruption keeps people down

By Joe Tabor

03/01/2024

Public corruption is one of the factors hampering social mobility in Illinois, according to a recent report.

Illinois ranks as worst state for low-income earners

By Patrick Andriesen

03/01/2024

A WalletHub study found low-income Illinoisans pay 14% of their annual salary to sales, property and incomes taxes – more than anywhere else in the nation. The state’s middle- and high-income earners weren’t much better off.

Pritzker wants to spend record amount but needs $898M in tax hikes to do it

By Bryce Hill

03/01/2024

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s record-setting $52.7 billion 2025 spending plan needs massive tax increases. Tax changes will hurt individuals, businesses and local governments.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Illinois

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

Report: Illinois tax-credit scholarship students see largest year-over-year learning gains

Illinois’ political corruption keeps people down

Illinois ranks as worst state for low-income earners

Pritzker wants to spend record amount but needs $898M in tax hikes to do it

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