Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

By John Tillman

07/04/2024

Fourth of July? No. We should always call it Independence Day to remember what we celebrate and what it means.

TAGS: freedom, Illinois, Independence Day

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

How does Illinois spend millions in cannabis cash?

By Dylan Sharkey

04/15/2024

In Illinois’ fifth year of recreational cannabis sales, it’s already made nearly $180 million in tax revenue. But it is losing sales to neighboring states with lower taxes.

Bill would give Illinois voters power to change how state is run

By Dylan Sharkey

02/15/2024

Illinois lawmakers will consider expanding the power for citizens to amend the Illinois Constitution through petitions, including for issues such as term limits and to end gerrymandering.

TAGS: Illinois Constitution

Illinois sales taxes highest in Midwest

By Bryce Hill

02/14/2024

Combined state and average local sales tax rate tallies 8.85% in Illinois for 2024. That’s the highest in the Midwest and seventh highest in the nation.

Illinois’ Midwest-leading minimum wage increases again in January 2024

By Patrick Andriesen

12/28/2023

Non-tipped workers will see their hourly wage hit $14 an hour while tipped employees will collect $8.40 thanks to the next minimum wage hike on January 1, 2024.

All neighbor states grow as Illinois population shrinks by 32,826

By Bryce Hill

12/28/2023

Illinoisans moving to other states was the sole reason for population decline in 2023. It’s not a Midwestern thing, because our neighbors are growing.

Too much occupational licensing could stop people from moving to Illinois

By Joe Tabor

12/25/2023

Illinois has seen continual population loss for a decade. While taxes and lack of opportunities are driving people away, the state’s licensing requirements could be keeping people from moving in.

TAGS: occupational licensing

Illinois’ occupational licenses make it easier for holiday burglars

By Dylan Sharkey

12/24/2023

Illinois’ burdensome licensing for security alarm installers discourage potential workers, potentially making Illinois an easier target for burglars such as the Grinch or the Wet Bandits from “Home Alone.”

Kit Kat, Twix cost less because Halloween treat taxes are tricky in Illinois

By Dylan Sharkey

10/17/2023

A spooky statute in Illinois says sweets made with flour aren’t candy. Halloween shoppers can dodge Illinois’ higher candy tax by checking ingredients.

Michigan

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

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

How does Illinois spend millions in cannabis cash?

Bill would give Illinois voters power to change how state is run

Illinois sales taxes highest in Midwest

Illinois’ Midwest-leading minimum wage increases again in January 2024

All neighbor states grow as Illinois population shrinks by 32,826

Too much occupational licensing could stop people from moving to Illinois

Illinois’ occupational licenses make it easier for holiday burglars

Kit Kat, Twix cost less because Halloween treat taxes are tricky in Illinois

Taxed out: 10 reforms to stop Illinois from losing people and jobs

Report Archive

Take advantage of the various ways to vote

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students