5 jobs Illinois imposes heaviest licensing burdens on

By Joe Tabor

12/04/2023

Employment is the clearest path out of poverty, but these five low-income professions face more occupational licensing burdens than others in Illinois.

Illinois cannabis buyers pay 89% more than U.S. average

By Patrick Andriesen

08/29/2023

The new report published by Headset found Illinoisans are paying 89% more for the average cannabis item than the rest of the nation. Researchers attribute the high prices to stifled competition.

TAGS: marijuana

Midwest states expand school choice while Illinois fights to save scholarships for low-income students

By Hannah Schmid

08/22/2023

Five Midwest states have enacted or expanded school choice programs since the Invest in Kids Act was enacted in 2017. Now Illinois’ scholarships are set to expire while other programs thrive.

TAGS: Invest in Kids, school choice

Most Illinois metro areas shed jobs in June, await pandemic recovery

By Justin Carlson

08/04/2023

Despite statewide job gains in June, eight of Illinois’ metro areas lost jobs for the month. Most areas still haven’t recovered to pre-pandemic job levels.

June cannabis sales highest of year, 3rd highest ever for Illinois

By Dylan Sharkey

08/01/2023

Illinois dispensaries sold $136 million in marijuana during June, the highest of the year and third-best month ever for cannabis sales.

Illinois metro unemployment rates still among worst in U.S.

By Justin Carlson

06/30/2023

While most Illinois metropolitan areas saw job gains last month, unemployment rates remain higher than the U.S. rate in 11 of the state’s 13 metro areas.

Illinoisans get 2nd gas tax hike of 2023 just before Independence Day

By Dylan Sharkey

06/26/2023

Illinoisans face the second gas tax hike of 2023 on July 1. The 3.1 cent hike doesn’t need lawmaker approval, thanks to state leaders implementing automatic gas tax hikes.

Illinois gas tax revenue hits $212 million in April, highest monthly total this year

By Dylan Sharkey

05/09/2023

Illinois is eighth in the nation for most expensive gas, and reduced oil production in May could drive prices even higher. It all means more taxes for the state.

Illinois’ out-of-state cannabis sales drop to 2-year low

By Dylan Sharkey

03/28/2023

Out-of-state cannabis sales fell to $31 million in February, the lowest since February 2021. Missouri starting recreational pot sales at a lower cost is a major factor.

Illinois job growth among worst in U.S. during Pritzker’s first term

By Justin Carlson

03/22/2023

All 11 major industries in Illinois were among the worst in the nation for job growth from January 2019 to January 2023, with each of them ranking in the bottom half in the nation.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Missouri

5 jobs Illinois imposes heaviest licensing burdens on

Illinois cannabis buyers pay 89% more than U.S. average

Midwest states expand school choice while Illinois fights to save scholarships for low-income students

Most Illinois metro areas shed jobs in June, await pandemic recovery

June cannabis sales highest of year, 3rd highest ever for Illinois

Illinois metro unemployment rates still among worst in U.S.

Illinoisans get 2nd gas tax hike of 2023 just before Independence Day

Illinois gas tax revenue hits $212 million in April, highest monthly total this year

Illinois’ out-of-state cannabis sales drop to 2-year low

Illinois job growth among worst in U.S. during Pritzker’s first term

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

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