Record Illinois Thanksgiving traffic paying record gas taxes

By Jerry Barmore

11/24/2025

Thanksgiving travel will set a record in Illinois and in the U.S. Illinois drivers will pay the nation’s second-highest gas taxes, thanks to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Information sector bright spot as Illinois job market remains sluggish

By Josh Bandoch, Jon Josko

09/19/2025

Illinois showed slow job growth as the state trailed national trends. Unemployment was at 4.4% in August, slightly above the national rate

Expect busy Chicago roads, high Illinois gas prices during Labor Day travel

By Brad Weisenstein

08/26/2025

AAA named Chicago a top domestic travel spot for Labor Day. It also said Illinois has some of the nation’s highest gas prices. Thank Illinois taxes for the extra dings at the pump.

Illinois adds 20,300 jobs in a year, but 301,000 seek work in July

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

08/20/2025

Illinois continues to be one of the slowest growing economies in the nation, ranking 46th in post-pandemic job recovery and adding just 20,300 jobs in the past year. Unemployment remained above the national average.

Report shows Illinois government pension crisis worst in U.S.

By LyLena Estabine

07/31/2025

Illinois has the nation’s worst public pension crisis. Nationwide analysis from the Equable Institute shows Illinois state pensions remain fiscally unstable and threaten retirees and taxpayers, underscoring the need for reform.

Pritzker’s latest gas tax hike greets Independence Day travelers

By Rich Witzel

06/30/2025

Just in time for Independence Day travel, drivers will face Illinois’ latest gasoline tax hike. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has added 29 cents per gallon since 2019 – costing the average driver $143 more per year.

TAGS: gas, JB Pritzker, taxes

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

By Josh Bandoch, Lauren Zuar

06/03/2025

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

Housing won’t be affordable until Illinois starts building more units

By LyLena Estabine

05/21/2025

Illinois municipal leaders didn’t grant building permits to enough new housing in 2024. Low numbers and lack of density indicate Illinois could improve its housing picture with more development.

TAGS: affordable housing, housing market

70 tax, fee hikes in 15 years. $110B from Illinois taxpayers. More coming?

By Lauren Zuar

05/14/2025

Illinois leaders keep using tax hikes as a budget quick-fix, but the state’s fiscal troubles – and the taxpayer burden – persist. Here are the 70 tax and fee hikes state leaders have imposed during the past 15 years.

Illinois might revive back-to-school sales tax holiday

By Dylan Sharkey

04/09/2025

Illinois lawmakers are looking at a bill that would cut sales taxes during back-to-school shopping. Illinois hasn’t had a sales tax holiday in years. The bill would lower the state sales tax from 6.25% to 1.25% on clothes and school supplies for six days in August 2025.

TAGS: sales tax

Missouri

Record Illinois Thanksgiving traffic paying record gas taxes

Information sector bright spot as Illinois job market remains sluggish

Expect busy Chicago roads, high Illinois gas prices during Labor Day travel

Illinois adds 20,300 jobs in a year, but 301,000 seek work in July

Report shows Illinois government pension crisis worst in U.S.

Pritzker’s latest gas tax hike greets Independence Day travelers

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Housing won’t be affordable until Illinois starts building more units

70 tax, fee hikes in 15 years. $110B from Illinois taxpayers. More coming?

Illinois might revive back-to-school sales tax holiday

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