Illinoisans pay nation’s highest wireless cell phone service tax
Illinoisans pay nation’s highest wireless cell phone service tax
Illinois wireless plan holders paid more on average in federal, state and local taxes than anywhere else in the U.S. The taxes were higher than the combined taxes of the two lowest-ranked states. Chicagoans managed to pay even more.
By Patrick Andriesen
Matt Nalett
Matt Nalett
“Even though it’s a crime against property, it’s still taking away peoples’ livelihoods."
Bakari Finley
Bakari Finley
“I wanted to go into a space I was interested in, and with my retail experience, I wanted to make a product that would be perfect for fathers, a symbol to celebrate fathers and father figures. I like backpacks, so I got together with my team and we started researching.” “After looking at countless backpacks,...
United Van Lines: Illinois 2nd in nation for residents leaving
United Van Lines: Illinois 2nd in nation for residents leaving
Illinois saw the second-highest rate of residents moving out in the nation based on a survey by United Van Lines. Illinois has experienced 10 straight years of population loss.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois’ new nuclear bill goes dark before it can spark
Illinois’ new nuclear bill goes dark before it can spark
While technically ending Illinois’ nuclear power plant moratorium, a new law does not allow even one watt of nuclear energy to be generated for the public electrical grid.
By Jess Plowman
Less than 1/3 of Chicago grads complete college in expected 4 years
Less than 1/3 of Chicago grads complete college in expected 4 years
Research finds less than one-third of Chicago Public Schools graduates earned their bachelor’s degree in the expected four years compared to nearly half nationally. That means more are likely to live in poverty.
By Hannah Schmid
Illinoisans expected to bet $300 million on holiday football
Illinoisans expected to bet $300 million on holiday football
Illinoisans will have wagered more than $300 million on football during December, or roughly $25 a person. Illinois is the second-largest sports betting market in the nation.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois population drop, departures among worst in U.S.
Illinois population drop, departures among worst in U.S.
Illinois lost 83,839 residents who moved to other states, one of the highest rates in the U.S. and driving a 10th consecutive year of population decline. It ranks near the bottom on multiple other population measures, too.
By Bryce Hill
Illinois’ Midwest-leading minimum wage increases again in January 2024
Illinois’ Midwest-leading minimum wage increases again in January 2024
Non-tipped workers will see their hourly wage hit $14 an hour while tipped employees will collect $8.40 thanks to the next minimum wage hike on January 1, 2024.
By Patrick Andriesen
All neighbor states grow as Illinois population shrinks by 32,826
All neighbor states grow as Illinois population shrinks by 32,826
Illinoisans moving to other states was the sole reason for population decline in 2023. It’s not a Midwestern thing, because our neighbors are growing.
By Bryce Hill
Lawyers, guns, money, plus 9 other Illinois laws to know starting Jan. 1
Lawyers, guns, money, plus 9 other Illinois laws to know starting Jan. 1
There are over 150 new laws going into effect in 2024, but here are a dozen likely to affect your life. They might impact the cost of a burger, your gun ownership, where you can vape and who your local police officer is and what that officer can do.
By Patrick Andriesen