Illinois falls farther behind national economic recovery in July

By Bryce Hill

08/23/2021

Despite the strongest jobs report in months, Illinois’ unemployment rate remains high as the U.S. rate continues to drop.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, jobs, unemployment

Illinois gasoline taxes rise to No. 2 in nation

By Noah Shaar

08/03/2021

Illinois drivers now pay the second-highest taxes on their gasoline in the nation, a new survey found. Before the state doubled the gas tax, Illinois ranked much lower.

TAGS: gas tax, JB Pritzker

Pritzker says Illinois could see more COVID-19 shutdowns

By Patrick Andriesen

07/22/2021

Gov. J.B. Pritzker warned Illinois could see more shutdowns from COVID-19 after announcing his re-election campaign. He said new restrictions would not repeat preferential treatment of big box retailers over small businesses.

TAGS: COVID-19, JB Pritzker, lockdown

Masks can be optional in Illinois school districts

By Patrick Andriesen

07/13/2021

Illinois schools can resume in-person learning without masks next month now that the state has clarified its guidance to acknowledge local school boards should decide which COVID-19 policies best fit their students.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, masks, public schools

CDC report: 1 in 10 Illinois students learned in-person for 8 months of pandemic

By Patrick Andriesen

07/01/2021

Illinois ranked 9th worst in the nation for offering students access to full-time in-person learning between September 2020 and April 2021 – less than any other Midwest state.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, teachers union

Fireworks ban makes outlaws out of Illinoisans on Independence Day

By Patrick Andriesen

06/25/2021

For nearly 80 years, Illinoisans have voted against the state fireworks ban by crossing state lines each July to buy fireworks, despite threatened penalties. The state is now one of four nationwide to prohibit celebrating Independence Day with fireworks.

TAGS: fireworks ban, Illinois, Independence Day

Bill could help Illinois businesses recovering from pandemic restrictions

By Justin Carlson

06/22/2021

State lawmakers passed a bill allowing local governments to waive licensing fees and registration costs for businesses harmed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it won’t spare them from state taxes.

TAGS: COVID-19, fees, Illinois, permits, small business

Illinoisans pay 10th highest lifetime taxes in U.S.

By Patrick Andriesen

06/09/2021

Illinoisans will pay nearly one-third more in taxes during their lives than the average American. They will pay almost double what Indiana and Kentucky residents will pay.

TAGS: Illinois, taxes

Federal COVID-19 relief going to Illinois debt rather than business relief

By Adam Schuster

05/27/2021

Pritzker borrowed during the pandemic rather than making responsible budget decisions. So Illinois’ federal relief must repay debt rather than helping businesses recover like other states.

TAGS: COVID-19, debt, JB Pritzker

Illinois lawmakers seek to be nation’s first to put job-killing amendment in state constitution

By Mailee Smith

05/24/2021

A proposal in the Illinois General Assembly would prohibit right-to-work laws in Illinois, making Illinois the only state to ban worker freedoms in its constitution.

TAGS: constitutional amendment, Illinois, private sector, right to work, unions

Midwestern United States

Illinois falls farther behind national economic recovery in July

Illinois gasoline taxes rise to No. 2 in nation

Pritzker says Illinois could see more COVID-19 shutdowns

Masks can be optional in Illinois school districts

CDC report: 1 in 10 Illinois students learned in-person for 8 months of pandemic

Fireworks ban makes outlaws out of Illinoisans on Independence Day

Bill could help Illinois businesses recovering from pandemic restrictions

Illinoisans pay 10th highest lifetime taxes in U.S.

Federal COVID-19 relief going to Illinois debt rather than business relief

Illinois lawmakers seek to be nation’s first to put job-killing amendment in state constitution

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

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