Illinois’ social mobility is worst in Midwest

By Josh Bandoch

02/05/2026

 Illinois placed 38th nationally for social mobility. Its rank was pulled down by economic problems and corruption in its legal system.

Illinois loses 1,700 jobs in 2025 while nation adds 584,000

By Josh Bandoch, Jon Josko

01/30/2026

Illinois’ unemployment continued a long-term trend of remaining higher than the national rate as 2025 ends with lost jobs as the nation gained.

Chicago metro area is 4th-hottest tech hub

By Josh Bandoch

01/27/2026

The Chicago area climbed up two spots as a technology hub, surpassing Silicon Valley. Government can foster that growth.

TAGS: jobs

Illinois is No. 3 for workforce development

By Josh Bandoch

01/26/2026

Illinois’ strong colleges and workforce training help reduce unemployment and close skill gaps, ranking No. 1 in the Midwest and No. 3 nationally.

Illinois economy grows 4.3%, riding national trend

By Ravi Mishra

01/23/2026

Illinois saw strong economic growth in the third quarter of 2025, largely tracking national trends.

TAGS: economy, jobs

3 things to know about Pat Quinn’s ‘millionaire tax’

By LyLena Estabine

01/23/2026

Former Gov. Pat Quinn claims a millionaire tax would offer Illinoisans property tax relief, but it won’t work without pension reform.

TAGS: millionaire tax, Pat Quinn

Gassing up in Illinois pricey during record holiday travel

By Jerry Barmore

12/18/2025

AAA estimates 5.7 million Illinoisans will travel this holiday season. Most will be driving, forced to pay the nation’s No. 2 gas taxes.

TAGS: gas tax

Illinois job growth less than half of Midwest’s in past year

By Josh Bandoch, Jon Josko

12/17/2025

 The information sector remains a bright spot in an otherwise challenging Illinois job market, but unemployment has pulled even with the national rate.

Atlas Van Lines: Illinois exodus continues, but slows in 2025

By Patrick Andriesen

12/16/2025

More people still moved out of Illinois than moved in during 2025, but the gap was smaller than it’s been for the past 16 years, according to Atlas Van Lines.

Federal aid feeds over 1M Illinois families this Thanksgiving

By Patrick Andriesen

11/27/2025

Over 1 million Illinois families will put turkey on the table this Thanksgiving with the help of federal food assistance.

Midwestern United States

Illinois’ social mobility is worst in Midwest

Illinois loses 1,700 jobs in 2025 while nation adds 584,000

Chicago metro area is 4th-hottest tech hub

Illinois is No. 3 for workforce development

Illinois economy grows 4.3%, riding national trend

3 things to know about Pat Quinn’s ‘millionaire tax’

Gassing up in Illinois pricey during record holiday travel

Illinois job growth less than half of Midwest’s in past year

Atlas Van Lines: Illinois exodus continues, but slows in 2025

Federal aid feeds over 1M Illinois families this Thanksgiving

Who Lives Below the Poverty Line in Illinois? Family Structure and Education Mark the Highest Risk

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