Illinois sales taxes near top in U.S.

By Adam Gorcyca

07/28/2026

Chicago will have one of the highest big-city rates in the country when the transit tax inches up Aug. 1.

Illinois’ per-pupil spending 7th-highest in U.S., but outcomes shaky

By Jessica Rehberg

07/13/2026

Spending was $25,000 per student in 2022-23, almost $5,000 above the national average.

Pritzker’s record: Illinois jobs growth ranks last among big states

By Jon Josko

06/02/2026

Illinois has added a net of only 9,400 private-sector jobs since the governor took over.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Under Pritzker, Illinois near the bottom in job growth

By Josh Bandoch

05/06/2026

The state created only 54,000 jobs in seven years.

Illinois’ number of high school grads to plunge 32%. Lawmakers still want more college money.

By Josh Bandoch

04/23/2026

State higher ed funding is already double the national average.

Illinois posted slow job growth last year

By Josh Bandoch

04/16/2026

The state’s unemployment rate is near the top nationwide

Illinois economy shows middling Q4 growth amid U.S. economic uncertainty

By Ravi Mishra

04/09/2026

The state outpaced national growth for just the fifth time in the past 20 quarters. Long-term growth still shows worrying signs.

Population loss, aging workforce threaten Illinois economy

By Ravi Mishra

03/17/2026

Sluggish growth, continued outmigration and demographic challenges are projected to continue, according to Moody’s Analytics.

Pritzker proposes reducing burdensome housing regulations

By Josh Bandoch

03/03/2026

The state needs to add 227,000 homes by 2030 to meet demand

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

By Ravi Mishra, Tom Demmer

02/12/2026

Pro-growth policies and fiscal responsibility can ensure Illinois’ long-term budget health. Here’s how state leaders can do it.

Midwestern United States

Illinois sales taxes near top in U.S.

Illinois’ per-pupil spending 7th-highest in U.S., but outcomes shaky

Pritzker’s record: Illinois jobs growth ranks last among big states

Under Pritzker, Illinois near the bottom in job growth

Illinois’ number of high school grads to plunge 32%. Lawmakers still want more college money.

Illinois posted slow job growth last year

Illinois economy shows middling Q4 growth amid U.S. economic uncertainty

Population loss, aging workforce threaten Illinois economy

Pritzker proposes reducing burdensome housing regulations

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

Fighting poverty with employment: Chicago block clubs

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