Blacker Friday: Illinois shoppers face sales tax hit

By Jerry Barmore

11/25/2025

Holiday shoppers are eager to spend this year. Illinois is overly eager to tax them.

Illinois lawmakers again push disguised ‘retirement tax’

By Ravi Mishra

11/21/2025

Illinois voters soundly rejected a progressive state income tax because it was a path to tax retirees. That isn’t stopping state lawmakers from trying again.

Illinois can’t afford to miss out on 10,000 extra homes

By LyLena Estabine

11/21/2025

Families rely on single-family homes. Illinois must relax zoning laws and lower minimum lot sizes to make them more affordable statewide.

TAGS: affordable housing

5 ways to end Chicago’s stagnant growth

By Geoff Feinstein

11/19/2025

High taxes, red tape and fiscal mismanagement have stalled Chicago’s economy, but smart reform could get it growing again.

Baker & Taylor library supplier closing, laying off 318

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

11/10/2025

A major library supplier formerly employing 1,500 will cease operations at the end of the year, laying off 318 workers in October at its Momence distribution center.

TAGS: jobs, unemployment

Illinois drops 6 spots in 6 years for tax competitiveness

By Patrick Andriesen

11/07/2025

Illinois’ state tax competitiveness ranking dropped six spots – from 32nd to 38th in the past six years. That’s the worst in the Midwest.

How many people in your county can’t access SNAP after Nov.1?

By Lauren Zuar

10/31/2025

If the federal government shutdown continues, millions of Illinoisans could lose access to critical food aid after Nov. 1.

Chicago-area Transit crisis: 7 principles to guide Illinois transportation reform

By LyLena Estabine

10/28/2025

Transit reform can support Illinois riders and taxpayers. These seven principles outline a path to affordability, accountability and efficiency.

Illinois GDP grew 4.8% in 2nd quarter of 2025

By Ravi Mishra

10/03/2025

Illinois’ economy bounces back after early 2025 slump. Long-term growth is threatened by taxation, regulation and barriers to getting a job.

Illinois sports betting taxes 5th highest in nation, highest in Midwest

By Dylan Sharkey

09/23/2025

Sports betting in Illinois comes with the fifth-highest taxes in the nation. Users on FanDuel, DraftKings or other sites had new fees start in September – just in time for the NFL regular season.

Midwestern United States

Blacker Friday: Illinois shoppers face sales tax hit

Illinois lawmakers again push disguised ‘retirement tax’

Illinois can’t afford to miss out on 10,000 extra homes

5 ways to end Chicago’s stagnant growth

Baker & Taylor library supplier closing, laying off 318

Illinois drops 6 spots in 6 years for tax competitiveness

How many people in your county can’t access SNAP after Nov.1?

Chicago-area Transit crisis: 7 principles to guide Illinois transportation reform

Illinois GDP grew 4.8% in 2nd quarter of 2025

Illinois sports betting taxes 5th highest in nation, highest in Midwest

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