International migrants boost Illinois, New York, California populations, but don’t expect them to stay

By Bryce Hill

02/20/2025

Illinois and other states with sanctuary cities saw large influxes of international migrants in recent years. But historical data shows the new arrivals may soon move out for the same reasons other residents have.

Rockford declared hottest housing market in U.S., but low supply is real story

By LyLena Estabine

02/19/2025

Rockford recently made headlines as the nation’s hottest housing market, but the real story is low supply is driving up prices. Changing zoning laws could spur development that would ease the shortage and prices.

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

By Joe Tabor

02/10/2025

Published Feb. 10, 2025 Even though federal COVID relief funds provided an unexpected windfall, that one-time jolt of cash could leave many Illinois localities even worse off than they were before. That boost in revenue allowed local governments to put off difficult budgeting decisions, and as that revenue dries up, municipalities will have to contend...

Nine of 15 Illinois metros add jobs in December as employment gains trail nation

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

02/05/2025

New data shows nine of 15 Illinois metropolitan areas added jobs in December as the state gained 8,800 jobs. Ten metro areas reported higher unemployment than the national average.

Ranking: Illinois 10th worst state for getting ahead

By Chris Coffey

02/05/2025

Illinois lags both the nation and the Midwest on key indicators of social mobility. The state scores poorly on entrepreneurship, economic growth, institutions and the rule of law.

Illinois’ low social mobility: causes and cures

01/28/2025

Published Jan. 28, 2025 Illinois Policy Institute Center for Poverty Solutions, in partnership with the Archbridge Institute By Joshua Bandoch, Ph.D., head of policy, Illinois Policy Institute and Justin Callais, Ph.D., chief economist, Archbridge Institute EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A low-income person’s ability to move up in society is worse in Illinois than in any other Midwestern...

Illinois population grows in 2024 despite 56K residents leaving for other states

By Bryce Hill

12/19/2024

A massive influx of 112,955 international migrants boosted Illinois population in 2024, new Census Bureau data shows. Buses from Texas likely grew Illinois’ population.

TAGS: Chicago, outmigration, population

Chicago drivers face lower speed limit, more cameras after $28M fine drop

By Patrick Andriesen

12/10/2024

Chicago speed cameras sent drivers $28 million less in tickets through September than during the first nine months of 2023. Annual revenues could spike again under proposals to drop the citywide speed limit or boost the number of cameras.

TAGS: Chicago

Vallas: Chicago Transit Authority is city’s 3rd budget crisis

By Paul Vallas

11/18/2024

Chicago faces financial meltdowns on three fronts: the city budget, Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Transit Authority. The CTA faces a $577 million deficit, but it can be fixed.

TAGS: CTA: Chicago Transit Authority

Cracking down on fare evasion can help deter Chicago transit crime

By Chris Coffey

10/31/2024

Washington, D.C., and New York City have cracked down on fare evasion because it is linked to serious and violent crime. The Chicago Transit Authority should do the same to curb its growing crime problem.

TAGS: CTA: Chicago Transit Authority

New York

International migrants boost Illinois, New York, California populations, but don’t expect them to stay

Rockford declared hottest housing market in U.S., but low supply is real story

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

Nine of 15 Illinois metros add jobs in December as employment gains trail nation

Ranking: Illinois 10th worst state for getting ahead

Illinois’ low social mobility: causes and cures

Illinois population grows in 2024 despite 56K residents leaving for other states

Chicago drivers face lower speed limit, more cameras after $28M fine drop

Vallas: Chicago Transit Authority is city’s 3rd budget crisis

Cracking down on fare evasion can help deter Chicago transit crime

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