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.

IRS: Illinois lost 105K residents, $11B in income to other states in 2021

By Bryce Hill

04/27/2023

Illinois lost more than 105,000 residents and $10.9 billion on net in adjusted gross income to other states from 2020-2021, according to new federal tax return data. Losses were spread across every age and income group.

How Illinois politicians allow government unions to rewrite state law

By Mailee Smith, Hannah Schmid

04/06/2023

No other state’s constitution or labor laws are like Illinois’ – broadly allowing government unions to override statutes simply by negotiating contrary provisions into collective bargaining agreements. Illinois may not be alone for long.

Cook County population decline, outmigration 2nd-worst in U.S.

By Bryce Hill

03/30/2023

94,344 residents moved out of Cook County, the sole reason for 2022 population decline.

TAGS: Cook County, population, U.S. Census Bureau

Pritzker fact check: Illinoisans pay 4th-highest college tuition in nation

By Dylan Sharkey

01/24/2023

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is making free college a priority in his second term. Tuition is driven up by pension costs, which Pritzker routinely ignores.

TAGS: college tuition, JB Pritzker

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

Forbes: Illinois 3rd in nation for people leaving

By Dylan Sharkey

11/17/2022

Forbes magazine highlighted Illinois as one of the top states residents are fleeing for more tax-friendly climates.

TAGS: outmigration, population

Pritzker gives himself COVID-19 emergency powers for 36th time

By Patrick Andriesen

11/16/2022

Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared Illinois a disaster area for the 36th time, extending his emergency powers over the state for another 30 days. None of Illinois’ neighboring states remain under emergency powers.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Congressmen ask Pritzker to repay $1.3B federal unemployment debt

By Patrick Andriesen

10/19/2022

U.S. House Ways and Means Committee members wrote Gov. J.B. Pritzker asking for repayment of a $1.3 billion federal unemployment insurance fund loan before Nov. 10. Failing to do so means automatically raising taxes on businesses.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Pritzker changes mask rules in 35th COVID disaster proclamation

By Dylan Sharkey

10/18/2022

Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued his 35th COVID-19 disaster proclamation, extending his powers for 70% of his term.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, masks

Texas

Illinois metro unemployment rates still among worst in U.S.

IRS: Illinois lost 105K residents, $11B in income to other states in 2021

How Illinois politicians allow government unions to rewrite state law

Cook County population decline, outmigration 2nd-worst in U.S.

Pritzker fact check: Illinoisans pay 4th-highest college tuition in nation

Outmigration caused Illinois’ population to decline again in 2022

Forbes: Illinois 3rd in nation for people leaving

Pritzker gives himself COVID-19 emergency powers for 36th time

Congressmen ask Pritzker to repay $1.3B federal unemployment debt

Pritzker changes mask rules in 35th COVID disaster proclamation

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