Forgotten Illinois Decatur: The Soy City’s search for its comeback
Forgotten Illinois Decatur: The Soy City’s search for its comeback
Central Illinois, historically, has been known for its strong agricultural and manufacturing roots. And that reputation isn’t just local, it’s global. “The first time I had heard of Decatur I was looking at a sewer cap manufactured here – in Paris, France,” said Christine Gregory, the CEO of Dove Inc., a Decatur-based nonprofit providing programs and...
Border war: In Quad Cities, Illinois shrinks as Iowa grows
Border war: In Quad Cities, Illinois shrinks as Iowa grows
The Quad Cities are a case study in how the Land of Lincoln is lagging behind its neighbors.
By Austin Berg
Illinois’ economy continues to fall behind other states, according to fiscal forecast
Illinois’ economy continues to fall behind other states, according to fiscal forecast
The worst years of the Great Recession are in the rear view. But if the latest gloomy fiscal forecast is any indication, Illinois' persistent policy mistakes will drag down its economic performance well into the future.
By Vincent Caruso
Kiss-off: Too many Illinoisans breaking up with the state
Kiss-off: Too many Illinoisans breaking up with the state
Every relationship comes with some sacrifices. But for an alarming number of Illinoisans, they're opting instead to sacrifice their state IDs.
By Vincent Caruso
Illinois last among neighbors, 42nd in the nation for jobs growth in 2017
Illinois last among neighbors, 42nd in the nation for jobs growth in 2017
Illinoisans have become accustomed to a state economy that lags behind those with better business climates.
By Bryce Hill
Senate bill would ban tobacco products, e-cigarettes for Illinoisans under 21
Senate bill would ban tobacco products, e-cigarettes for Illinoisans under 21
The bill would apply Chicago’s restriction on the smoking age to the entire state.
By Vincent Caruso
Sears to cut 220 workers in Hoffman Estates
Sears to cut 220 workers in Hoffman Estates
The struggling retailer’s latest, immediate cuts come less than a year after it shed 400 jobs in June 2017.
By Brendan Bakala
3 Illinois metros saw jobs loss, most saw labor force decline in 2017
3 Illinois metros saw jobs loss, most saw labor force decline in 2017
New state data shed a light on weak economic growth in metro areas across Illinois.
By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill
Decatur jobs loss in 2017 among the worst in Illinois
Decatur jobs loss in 2017 among the worst in Illinois
Decatur is the fastest-shrinking city in the state since 2010, and saw some of the heaviest jobs losses among metro areas in 2017.
By Austin Berg
Privacy law prevents Illinoisans from using Google app’s selfie art feature
Privacy law prevents Illinoisans from using Google app’s selfie art feature
A new feature on Google's Arts & Culture app is not available to Illinois users because of the state's strict biometric privacy law.
By Amy Korte
Illinoisans saw jobs growth plummet after 2017 tax hike
Illinoisans saw jobs growth plummet after 2017 tax hike
Illinois' jobs growth trailed that of the nation during the first half of 2017, then slowed to a halt in the wake of the General Assembly's record-breaking tax hike.
By Orphe Divounguy, Austin Berg, Bryce Hill, Joe Tabor
Giant sucking sound: Illinois lost $3.4B in income to neighboring states since 2010
Giant sucking sound: Illinois lost $3.4B in income to neighboring states since 2010
Policy failures have resulted in a steady stream of income flowing to neighboring states.
By Vincent Caruso
Wisconsin badgers Illinois millennials to hop the state border
Wisconsin badgers Illinois millennials to hop the state border
A new ad campaign by the Badger State digs into millennials’ growing disillusion with the Land of Lincoln.
By Vincent Caruso
Skipping over Illinois, Toyota-Mazda plant heading to Alabama
Skipping over Illinois, Toyota-Mazda plant heading to Alabama
The $1.6 billion assembly plant will create an estimated 4,000 jobs for Alabama residents by 2021.
By Brendan Bakala