Johnson hides 8 Chicago homeless camps from Democratic delegates

By Patrick Andriesen

08/20/2024

While Mayor Brandon Johnson has denied clearing Chicago’s homeless encampments had anything to do with the Democratic National Convention, his administration has said otherwise. Even his allies suspect a double standard.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, DNC: Democratic National Convention

Illinois unemployment rate in July hits 2nd highest in U.S.

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

08/16/2024

July unemployment hit 5.2% in Illinois, ranking second worst in the nation. It equated to 341,630 workers looking for a job.

TAGS: IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, taxes, unemployment

Chicago unemployment is highest in nation

By Bryce Hill

08/15/2024

Nearly 100,000 Chicago-area residents are out of work, and at 6.2% the Chicago metro area has the highest unemployment rate of the nation’s 50 largest metro areas. Illinois as a whole isn’t doing much better, with a 6.1% unemployment rate.

TAGS: Chicago, unemployment

Pritzker to show Democrats how he thinks big about taxes, budgets, deficits

By Patrick Andriesen

08/13/2024

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s record $53.1 billion state budget imposes $1.1 billion in new taxes on Illinoisans and still manages to underfund public pensions. He’s boosted state spending by $15 billion in six years. Housing, jobs and population are all suffering.

TAGS: DNC: Democratic National Convention, JB Pritzker

Nearly 2 million Illinoisans get food benefits, up 13.5% since 2019

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

08/08/2024

Nearly 2 million Illinoisans – or more than 1-in-7 state residents – received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in March 2024. Alexander and Pulaski counties led the state with 34% of residents receiving SNAP benefits.

TAGS: food stamps, SNAP

Average Illinois property tax bill rises $756 in 5 years

By Patrick Andriesen

08/01/2024

Homeowners in half of Illinois’ 102 counties saw their property taxes grow faster than inflation from 2018 to 2022. The median bill rose $756 in that time.

TAGS: housing, taxes

Illinois housing least affordable in Midwest

By Ravi Mishra

07/31/2024

It’s tougher to pay for shelter in Illinois than anywhere else in the Midwest, especially if you’re living in poverty. Illinois needs another 113,000 units and nearly 290,000 affordable rental homes to help its low-income families.

Unemployment tops U.S. average in all but 2 Illinois areas during June

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

07/30/2024

Despite some growth, high unemployment remains a persistent issue in Illinois with 13 of 15 metropolitan areas showing higher rates of unemployment than the national average.

TAGS: jobs

Vallas: 10 things CTU doesn’t want voters to know about school board races

By Paul Vallas

07/30/2024

With 10 Chicago Public Schools Board of Education seats on the Nov. 5 ballot up for grabs, the battle is on for the Chicago Teachers Union to take full control of the city and district.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, school

Illinois unemployment jumps to 5% in June

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

07/24/2024

Illinois unemployment rose to 5% during June, ranking third worst in the U.S. About 328,000 Illinoisans need a job.

Midwestern United States

Johnson hides 8 Chicago homeless camps from Democratic delegates

Illinois unemployment rate in July hits 2nd highest in U.S.

Chicago unemployment is highest in nation

Pritzker to show Democrats how he thinks big about taxes, budgets, deficits

Nearly 2 million Illinoisans get food benefits, up 13.5% since 2019

Average Illinois property tax bill rises $756 in 5 years

Illinois housing least affordable in Midwest

Unemployment tops U.S. average in all but 2 Illinois areas during June

Vallas: 10 things CTU doesn’t want voters to know about school board races

Illinois unemployment jumps to 5% in June

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