4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

By LyLena Estabine

01/13/2026

Causes, costs, how to set the state free

Illinois Supreme Court asked to hear constitutional challenge case

12/22/2025

The Illinois Supreme Court has been asked to hear a lawsuit challenging where citizens can file constitutional challenges to state laws.

Illinois police pensions lock up local property taxes

By LyLena Estabine

11/18/2025

Across Illinois, police pensions are taking an ever-greater share of property tax dollars, leaving fewer resources for public safety.

Illinois property tax rate tops U.S., but pain worse in some areas

By LyLena Estabine

09/08/2025

Illinois' high property taxes hurt the economy, particularly in communities already struggling. When government overtaxes, residents and businesses flee – leaving those remaining with a bigger tax bill.

Southwestern Illinois taxpayers hand airport $160M to keep it open

By Brad Weisenstein

09/05/2025

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport has been a drain on taxpayers since it opened in 1995, requiring money from other county funds to keep it open. That total jumped last year to $14.83 million, bringing total subsidies since 2002 to $160 million.

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...

Illinois’ rural counties shrink fastest in 2023

By Bryce Hill

03/18/2024

While Cook County experienced the largest decline, less-populous Illinois counties were losing people at the fastest rate last year.

TAGS: outmigration, population

Cook County 2nd-worst in U.S. as 87 of 102 Illinois counties lose population

By Bryce Hill

03/14/2024

Illinois’ population decline crisis continues to affect virtually all counties despite fewer losses in 2023. Cook County saw nation’s second-highest number of residents moving out.

Southern Illinois taxpayers spend $134.4M since 2002 to keep airport open

By Brad Weisenstein

09/08/2023

An underused airport near Belleville, Illinois, has required local taxpayers to chip in $134.4 million since 2002 to keep it operating.

TAGS: MidAmerica Airport

Lawsuit filed over Illinois mandating all constitutional challenges be filed in just 2 counties

By Joe Tabor

09/07/2023

The law would limit the venue for state constitutional claims to Cook or Sangamon counties. Downstate residents are suing because judges they aren’t allowed to elect will hear cases.

St. Clair County

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

Illinois Supreme Court asked to hear constitutional challenge case

Illinois police pensions lock up local property taxes

Illinois property tax rate tops U.S., but pain worse in some areas

Southwestern Illinois taxpayers hand airport $160M to keep it open

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

Illinois’ rural counties shrink fastest in 2023

Cook County 2nd-worst in U.S. as 87 of 102 Illinois counties lose population

Southern Illinois taxpayers spend $134.4M since 2002 to keep airport open

Lawsuit filed over Illinois mandating all constitutional challenges be filed in just 2 counties

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