Illinois’ February unemployment rate 5th highest in U.S.

By Ravi Mishra

04/10/2025

Unemployment in Illinois remains stubbornly high. February’s unemployment rate was the fifth highest in the nation at 4.8%.

Getting ahead is hard for low-income Illinoisans

By Chris Coffey

03/21/2025

Opportunity stalls in Illinois as the state lags other Midwestern states on four key indicators of social mobility. The state trails the rest of the region on entrepreneurship, economic growth, institutions and the rule of law.

Illinois job growth modest amid high unemployment, competitive market

By Ravi Mishra

03/17/2025

Illinois’ unemployment improved somewhat in January. It ranked fifth highest in the nation after being third highest for months.

Half of states let cities declare bankruptcy. Here’s why Illinois might want to.

By Lilly Rossi

03/05/2025

Illinois has some of the highest property taxes in the country. Chapter 9 would allow local governments to address the root cause.

Illinois is Midwest’s biggest people loser

By Bryce Hill

03/05/2025

Most neighboring states are gaining residents from people moving across state lines. Even of the states losing people, Illinois is losing at a significantly faster rate.

Illinois gasoline taxes 2nd highest in nation

By Dylan Sharkey

02/20/2025

Illinoisans pay the second-highest gas taxes in the nation at more than $0.84 per gallon. Only California charges its drivers more.

TAGS: gas tax

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

By Joe Tabor

02/10/2025

Published Feb. 10, 2025 Even though federal COVID relief funds provided an unexpected windfall, that one-time jolt of cash could leave many Illinois localities even worse off than they were before. That boost in revenue allowed local governments to put off difficult budgeting decisions, and as that revenue dries up, municipalities will have to contend...

Illinois students show continued struggles in reading, math on national exam

By Hannah Schmid

01/30/2025

The nation’s report card was just released and shows Illinois students continue to struggle to meet proficiency standards in reading and math. State leaders are spinning 8th-grade results as a win, but in reality, they lag. Ignored are the struggles of younger students.

TAGS: public schools

Illinois’ low social mobility: causes and cures

01/28/2025

Published Jan. 28, 2025 Illinois Policy Institute Center for Poverty Solutions, in partnership with the Archbridge Institute By Joshua Bandoch, Ph.D., head of policy, Illinois Policy Institute and Justin Callais, Ph.D., chief economist, Archbridge Institute EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A low-income person’s ability to move up in society is worse in Illinois than in any other Midwestern...

Amendment would allow Illinoisans to recall state leaders, local politicians

By Dylan Sharkey

01/22/2025

Illinoisans would have the chance to recall state and local politicians under a proposal in Springfield.

TAGS: corruption, Mike Madigan

Michigan

Illinois’ February unemployment rate 5th highest in U.S.

Getting ahead is hard for low-income Illinoisans

Illinois job growth modest amid high unemployment, competitive market

Half of states let cities declare bankruptcy. Here’s why Illinois might want to.

Illinois is Midwest’s biggest people loser

Illinois gasoline taxes 2nd highest in nation

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

Illinois students show continued struggles in reading, math on national exam

Illinois’ low social mobility: causes and cures

Amendment would allow Illinoisans to recall state leaders, local politicians

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