Information sector bright spot as Illinois job market remains sluggish

By Josh Bandoch, Jon Josko

09/19/2025

Illinois showed slow job growth as the state trailed national trends. Unemployment was at 4.4% in August, slightly above the national rate

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

Report: Illinois lags neighbors in school choice after killing scholarships

By Tom Viz

08/28/2025

Illinois is among the few states to offer no private school choice scholarships after killing its Invest in Kids tax-credit program in 2023. The new federal Educational Choice for Children Act would again give Illinois families access to educational options.

TAGS: Invest in Kids, school choice

Expect busy Chicago roads, high Illinois gas prices during Labor Day travel

By Brad Weisenstein

08/26/2025

AAA named Chicago a top domestic travel spot for Labor Day. It also said Illinois has some of the nation’s highest gas prices. Thank Illinois taxes for the extra dings at the pump.

Congress wants largest teachers union to pick kids over politics

By Mailee Smith

07/29/2025

A bill in Congress would hold the National Education Association accountable, forcing it to once more put students and educators first or risk losing its special status as a chartered organization.

TAGS: IEA-NEA: Illinois Education Association

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

By John Tillman

07/04/2025

Happy Fourth of July? Nope. We should always call it Independence Day. It reminds us of what we celebrate and what it means.

TAGS: freedom, Independence Day

Pritzker’s latest gas tax hike greets Independence Day travelers

By Rich Witzel

06/30/2025

Just in time for Independence Day travel, drivers will face Illinois’ latest gasoline tax hike. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has added 29 cents per gallon since 2019 – costing the average driver $143 more per year.

TAGS: gas, JB Pritzker, taxes

Vallas: J.B. Pritzker’s $55.2B budget fuels Illinois’ financial death spiral

By Paul Vallas

06/27/2025

J.B. Pritzker wants a third term as Illinois governor, but based on his history of boosting taxes and creating spending records, can Illinois afford him for four more years? Will the state grow even smaller as Illinoisans get fed up and leave?

TAGS: JB Pritzker, outmigration, taxes

Vallas: ‘Tax Illinois’ rich’ dogma is a dangerous delusion

By Paul Vallas

06/10/2025

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson likes to parrot platitudes about taxing the rich to fix the city, CTA and Chicago Public Schools finances. But all three made bad decisions and did not adjust to post-pandemic realities. And the rich can move away.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

By Josh Bandoch, Lauren Zuar

06/03/2025

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

Wisconsin

Information sector bright spot as Illinois job market remains sluggish

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

Report: Illinois lags neighbors in school choice after killing scholarships

Expect busy Chicago roads, high Illinois gas prices during Labor Day travel

Congress wants largest teachers union to pick kids over politics

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

Pritzker’s latest gas tax hike greets Independence Day travelers

Vallas: J.B. Pritzker’s $55.2B budget fuels Illinois’ financial death spiral

Vallas: ‘Tax Illinois’ rich’ dogma is a dangerous delusion

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

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