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

Illinois cannabis sales dip from monthly record

By Dylan Sharkey

02/27/2023

December 2022 broke the record for monthly cannabis sales in Illinois, but January 2023 couldn’t keep up.

TAGS: marijuana

High-tax Illinois loses people, low-tax states gain in 2022

By Justin Carlson

01/25/2023

Low-tax states attract the majority of movers, while high-tax states push them away. Illinois takes nearly 13% of all money made in the state as taxes, and lost 141,656 residents in 2022.

Illinois losing residents 5 times faster than any neighbor state

By Bryce Hill

12/22/2022

Kentucky, Wisconsin, Indiana and Missouri are attracting residents while Iowa and Michigan are the only neighbor states losing residents to other states

TAGS: Illinois, population, U.S. Census Bureau

Outmigration caused Illinois’ population to decline again in 2022

By Bryce Hill

12/22/2022

New Census Bureau data shows people moving out of Illinois continues to drive the state’s population decline. So many moved away in the year before July 2022, it was almost like Rockford disappearing.

TAGS: Illinois, outmigration, population

Illinois holiday travelers face hike on nation’s No. 2 gas taxes

By Patrick Andriesen

12/16/2022

Plenty of Illinoisans will be on the road this holiday season, with record-high travel across the nation. Filling up for the trip is pricey in Illinois and will get even pricier after Jan. 1.

TAGS: gas tax

Missouri

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

Illinois cannabis sales dip from monthly record

High-tax Illinois loses people, low-tax states gain in 2022

Illinois losing residents 5 times faster than any neighbor state

Outmigration caused Illinois’ population to decline again in 2022

Illinois holiday travelers face hike on nation’s No. 2 gas taxes

Taxed out: 10 reforms to stop Illinois from losing people and jobs

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