Pritzker blames Trump for cuts, but Illinois is high risk for recession

By Dylan Sharkey

09/26/2025

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said state agencies need to trim 4%, blaming President Donald Trump and a slowing national economy. Illinois’ economic woes started long before Trump.

TAGS: Donald Trump, JB Pritzker

Chicago budget rises over 2X faster than other big cities

By Ravi Mishra, Lauren Zuar

09/22/2025

Not enough revenue? How about too much spending. Chicago outpaces many of America’s biggest cities with a 62% spending spike since 2019. That’s what’s driving deficits.

Nuclear energy gives Illinois economic power, if it will allow new plants

By Ravi Mishra

09/17/2025

A slew of private investments in nuclear energy signals opportunity, yet Illinois remains one of only 12 states that limits production. The state needs to lift its ban on new reactors.

TAGS: nuclear energy

Other major cities provide a roadmap for Chicago’s Inaugural City Charter Commission

By Joe Tabor, Rich Witzel

08/22/2025

The City of Chicago needs a city charter that will bring some certainty to city government. It should learn from the experiences of other cities when choosing the people who will draft that charter.

Businesses moving out of Illinois triples since pandemic

By Bryce Hill

08/12/2025

Illinois lost 218 businesses to other states in 2023, part of an acceleration to triple the rate of what losses were before the pandemic. When adjusted for population, Illinois ranked No. 2 for the most business losses.

Less than 22% of voters approve of Chicago Teachers Union

By Tom Viz

08/11/2025

Less than 22% of voters approve of the Chicago Teachers Union. No surprise, considering the scandals and radical dogma pushed by its two top leaders.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Vallas: Pritzker works on national profile as Illinoisans tire of him

By Paul Vallas

08/11/2025

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is burnishing his national image as a Democratic presidential candidate by inserting himself in the Texas redistricting controversy. But Illinoisans are growing tired of Pritzker and taxation, pushing his favorability rating into the negative.

Illinois economy declines 2.2% in early 2025, one of biggest drops in U.S.

By Ravi Mishra

07/31/2025

Illinois’ latest drop in gross domestic product shows broader issues with the state. The state’s real GDP has been struggling for years.

TAGS: GDP: gross domestic product

Vallas: Work-study changes futures of Chicago’s at-risk youth

By Paul Vallas

07/25/2025

Summer jobs programs are not enough to keep Chicago’s youth out of trouble. To reach their potential, a year-round answer is needed. Paid apprenticeships or other work-study need to become part of public education.

Illinois lawmakers making $128K for 70 days of work

By Dylan Sharkey, Charlotte Rotkis

07/17/2025

While Illinois families face one of the nation’s highest unemployment rates, the nation’s highest property taxes and the highest state and local tax burden, state lawmakers just gave themselves another raise. They get $128,000 for 70 days of work.

TAGS: lawmaker pay

New York

Pritzker blames Trump for cuts, but Illinois is high risk for recession

Chicago budget rises over 2X faster than other big cities

Nuclear energy gives Illinois economic power, if it will allow new plants

Other major cities provide a roadmap for Chicago’s Inaugural City Charter Commission

Businesses moving out of Illinois triples since pandemic

Less than 22% of voters approve of Chicago Teachers Union

Vallas: Pritzker works on national profile as Illinoisans tire of him

Illinois economy declines 2.2% in early 2025, one of biggest drops in U.S.

Vallas: Work-study changes futures of Chicago’s at-risk youth

Illinois lawmakers making $128K for 70 days of work

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