Illinois is in trouble. For years, our state has been saddled with one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation – currently sitting at 5.3% or the second worst in the nation.

Chicago’s budget gap could grow even bigger thanks to a tax flap in Springfield that is expected to set the city back another $40 million in revenue next year.

Stacy Davis Gates says teachers union and school district must decide “how we begin to work together to secure our district.” But Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez says the district has strong policies in place that protect immigrants, LGBTQ students and other groups.

From 2023 to 2024, the total number of nonfarm jobs increased in more metropolitan areas than it decreased in across the state in October.