Population loss, aging workforce threaten Illinois economy

By Ravi Mishra

03/17/2026

Sluggish growth, continued outmigration and demographic challenges are projected to continue, according to Moody’s Analytics.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s eventual pension payout could exceed $5M

By Bryce Hill

12/03/2024

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pensions are worth an estimated $3.8 million after only four years as a teacher and one term as mayor. It could go even higher, depending on his next job moves.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, pensions

Paul Vallas: Illinois’ real ‘State of the State’

By Paul Vallas

02/23/2024

Illinois is on an upward path, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said during his State of the State speech. True, by some measures. Not so much by too many measures that matter.

Loophole will let Brandon Johnson collect public pension now worth $1.1M

By Bryce Hill

03/23/2023

Mayoral candidate and Chicago Teachers Union organizer Brandon Johnson is eligible to collect an estimated $1.1 million pension through the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund despite only teaching for four years. His future path could yield a public pension worth over $2.8 million.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

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 Municipal Retirement Fund invested in now-collapsed Silicon Valley Bank

By Bryce Hill, Justin Carlson

03/15/2023

Financial reports show IMRF held nearly $8.6 million worth of SVB Financial Group Stock at the end of 2021.

TAGS: Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, Illinois pension system, Silicon Valley Bank

State retirees get nearly 40% more than what working Illinoisans earn

By Patrick Andriesen

02/01/2023

The typical career state worker collected $82,478 in annual pension benefits, recouping more income in 17 months of retirement than they contributed over 35 years. Working Illinoisans only earned $59,650 a year.

TAGS: Illinois, pensions

Experts: Illinois taxpayers carrying 3rd-highest debt burden in nation

By Patrick Andriesen

11/14/2022

Truth in Accounting experts contested Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s claims Illinois is on the best fiscal footing in years, citing chronic underfunding of the state’s nation-leading pension debt. The watchdogs ranked Illinois’ finances third worst among U.S. states.

TAGS: economic recovery, JB Pritzker

Report card: How’s Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker done in 4 years?

By Patrick Andriesen, Dylan Sharkey

10/17/2022

A review of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s term in Illinois’ highest office examines his track record beyond the campaign rhetoric. The second and final gubernatorial debate with opponent Darren Bailey is Oct. 18.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Debate fact check: Property taxes haven’t gone down under Pritzker

By Dylan Sharkey

10/07/2022

Gov. J.B. Pritzker took the debate stage claiming property taxes in Illinois have gone down thanks to his administration. In truth, the average Illinois family is paying over $2,000 more in property taxes than before he took office.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, property taxes

Moody's Ratings

Population loss, aging workforce threaten Illinois economy

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s eventual pension payout could exceed $5M

Paul Vallas: Illinois’ real ‘State of the State’

Loophole will let Brandon Johnson collect public pension now worth $1.1M

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

Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund invested in now-collapsed Silicon Valley Bank

State retirees get nearly 40% more than what working Illinoisans earn

Experts: Illinois taxpayers carrying 3rd-highest debt burden in nation

Report card: How’s Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker done in 4 years?

Debate fact check: Property taxes haven’t gone down under Pritzker

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

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