Dave Jordan: The Wagon
Dave Jordan: The Wagon
"Isn’t it odd that people like us have to live within our means but government doesn’t? It makes no sense."
Stunning data show Illinois economy stalled out before COVID-19 pandemic
Stunning data show Illinois economy stalled out before COVID-19 pandemic
The last thing Illinois needs is more bad news for the sake of it. But ignoring this reality threatens to make this crisis worse.
Craig Alexander: Happy Monday Coffee Roasters
Craig Alexander: Happy Monday Coffee Roasters
"In a lot of sales, you have a winner and a loser sometimes. And with coffee for me, there was two winners: a coffee and a smile for a smile and two dollars."
Before COVID-19 downturn, Illinois saw shrinking payrolls and nation’s worst loss of manufacturing jobs
Before COVID-19 downturn, Illinois saw shrinking payrolls and nation’s worst loss of manufacturing jobs
New data show Illinois lost private sector jobs amid a national economic expansion for the first year on record in 2019, a sign of the state’s deep structural problems in the run-up to the current market downturn.
JoAnn Chumley: All Occasions Flowers & Gifts
JoAnn Chumley: All Occasions Flowers & Gifts
“I started this business and it’s grown so much, even though I don’t have a college education. You have to work to get where you want to go."
Melanie McCullough: Bradford Snack Shack
Melanie McCullough: Bradford Snack Shack
“Each year we've had another mountain to climb, but it hasn’t been the end of us."
Every Illinois metro area loses population for second year in a row
Every Illinois metro area loses population for second year in a row
New census data reveals that for a second year, all 10 metro areas based primarily in Illinois experienced population decline.
Ken Jarosch: Jarosch Bakery
Ken Jarosch: Jarosch Bakery
“People should know [that] nobody appreciates the small businesses until they’re gone."
Linda Leinweber: Shears to You Salon
Linda Leinweber: Shears to You Salon
"Taxes are my biggest concern: My property taxes."
Katie Anderson: Anderson’s Candy Shop
Katie Anderson: Anderson’s Candy Shop
“Every day at work I hold my breath until 2:30 when the governor goes on to [say] what’s going to happen next."
Bill would allow licensed, out-of-state nurses to serve Illinois patients
Bill would allow licensed, out-of-state nurses to serve Illinois patients
To prepare for a rise in hospital visits, Illinois should remove interstate barriers for medical professionals.
Illinois unemployment claims jump by 64K as COVID-19 closes businesses
Illinois unemployment claims jump by 64K as COVID-19 closes businesses
Unemployment claims spiked this week as Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered bars and restaurants to halt dine-in service, the service industry took major hits and large gatherings were banned to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bill would lift ban on out-of-state wine delivery
Bill would lift ban on out-of-state wine delivery
Illinois’ strict regulations on wine shipments deprive residents of choice and the state of critical tax revenue. The anti-competitive law may be unconstitutional.
Kristan Vaughan: Vaughan Hospitality Group
Kristan Vaughan: Vaughan Hospitality Group
“So much of our lives, so many activities center around our businesses. My son took his first steps in the restaurant. We’re here all the time. It would just be heartbreaking to lose them."