Transportation “lockbox” amendment is a bad idea
Transportation “lockbox” amendment is a bad idea
The Illinois Constitution shouldn't be trivialized by a convoluted mess of budget restrictions.
Chicago politicians angry over losing World Series ticket perk
Chicago politicians angry over losing World Series ticket perk
A new ethics ruling prohibits aldermen from getting World Series tickets at face value — a perk not afforded to most of the public.
Food-stamp enrollment outpaces population growth in Illinois
Food-stamp enrollment outpaces population growth in Illinois
Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has increased more than six times the rate population has grown over the last five years.
Illinois has fastest shrinking labor force of all surrounding states
Illinois has fastest shrinking labor force of all surrounding states
New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show Illinois’ professional and business services sector has fared better than the state’s manufacturing industry, which recorded 800 job losses in September.
Damage from Edgar ramp obscured by dotcom boom
Damage from Edgar ramp obscured by dotcom boom
Former Gov. Jim Edgar’s pension compromise with House Speaker Mike Madigan in the 1990s set the state’s pension funds down an unsustainable road.
Executive order equips Illinoisans to take on red tape
Executive order equips Illinoisans to take on red tape
Gov. Bruce Rauner has ordered executive agencies to review all their regulations for necessity, clarity and statutory authority and to mark for repeal or revision rules that don’t meet those criteria.
Colbert Packaging moves division to Wisconsin from Illinois
Colbert Packaging moves division to Wisconsin from Illinois
Division president cites Wisconsin’s favorable business environment as chief reason for move.
Chicago to propose restrictive licensing for pharmaceutical reps
Chicago to propose restrictive licensing for pharmaceutical reps
A proposal to license pharmaceutical reps amounts to costly fees and red tape that will do little to promote public health and safety.
Illinois: Plenty of pumpkins, not enough people
Illinois: Plenty of pumpkins, not enough people
Illinois ranks as the top pumpkin producer in the country, which isn’t much of a consolation given the state’s poor performance in almost every economic category.
The cost of crossing Madigan
The cost of crossing Madigan
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s election to the speaker position in 16 of the last 17 legislative sessions is a testament to the loyalty he demands from his Democratic colleagues.
How Madigan left the Cubs in the dark
How Madigan left the Cubs in the dark
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s grip on the state’s legislative process once delayed the Cubs’ quest for lights at Wrigley Field – and 30 years later, the Cubs are still feuding with politicians.
September jobs report: Manufacturing jobs down, white-collar jobs up; workforce dropout continues overall
September jobs report: Manufacturing jobs down, white-collar jobs up; workforce dropout continues overall
The divergence between professional and blue-collar work continued in September, and a shrinking workforce coincided with steady seasonal out-migration.
Poll shows Illinoisans support both unions and Right to Work principles
Poll shows Illinoisans support both unions and Right to Work principles
A new Paul Simon Public Policy Institute poll reveals that nearly half of Illinoisans support Right-to-Work laws – but that more education on worker freedom is needed.
U-Haul rental rates reflect Illinois’ out-migration crisis
U-Haul rental rates reflect Illinois’ out-migration crisis
Chicagoans’ strong demand for one-way moves to Houston, Texas, and to Naples, Fla., is driving up moving-truck rental costs.