Illinois’ economy shed 5,200 jobs in August, the first drop in 2018
Illinois’ economy shed 5,200 jobs in August, the first drop in 2018
Illinois experienced net job losses in August, while the rest of the nation saw continued growth on average.
Lawsuit claims Chicago red-light cameras violate state law
Lawsuit claims Chicago red-light cameras violate state law
A class-action lawsuit claims Chicago’s red-light camera program fails to provide ticketed motorists with information required by state law.
Rahm to push e-cigarette ‘sin tax’ hike, product restrictions
Rahm to push e-cigarette ‘sin tax’ hike, product restrictions
The proposed City Council ordinance would hike Chicago’s sales tax on liquid nicotine and mandate that stores keep vaping products below the counter.
When taxes hit home(s)
When taxes hit home(s)
Making Illinois a more attractive state in which to plant roots is entirely within lawmakers’ control.
Manufacturer to shutter 2 Illinois plants, open $26M Indiana facility
Manufacturer to shutter 2 Illinois plants, open $26M Indiana facility
Accepting a deal that includes $6 million in subsidies, Wynright Corporation will expand its operations in Indiana and close plants in suburban Elk Grove and Oak Lawn.
Report: TIFs fall short of economic development promises
Report: TIFs fall short of economic development promises
A new report analyzes the effects of “tax increment financing” on communities across the nation – and calls into question the merits of the widely used development tool.
Most annoying sound in the world: mileage tax
Most annoying sound in the world: mileage tax
Crowding out: Chicago pension fund demands intercept of state grant money
Crowding out: Chicago pension fund demands intercept of state grant money
The Chicago firefighters pension fund has filed claims with the Illinois comptroller for $3.3 million in shorted pension contributions, an action that could worsen city finances and service delivery.
House hunters: How high taxes hurt home investment in Illinois
House hunters: How high taxes hurt home investment in Illinois
Without property and income tax relief, housing in Illinois will continue to be less attractive, Illinois’ population is likely to continue its decline and housing price appreciation can be expected to continue to lag the rest of the nation.
Illinois development authority ends payments to official’s side business following Institute investigation
Illinois development authority ends payments to official’s side business following Institute investigation
Lax oversight of Illinois’ little-known regional development authorities has led to questionable business arrangements with one official in particular.
Adan and Cynthia Villafranca
Adan and Cynthia Villafranca
“My parents came [to the United States] in 1969. I grew up in the Chicago area. “When Cynthia and I got engaged, we started home searching. We wanted a place ready to go. “I knew nothing about [the cost of] homeownership until I started to home search. I was looking in Oak Lawn, Oak Forest,...
Rahm’s Underpants Gnome Pension Plan
Rahm’s Underpants Gnome Pension Plan
High-risk real estate investments cost Chicago pension funds $54M, win fund managers $9M
High-risk real estate investments cost Chicago pension funds $54M, win fund managers $9M
A real estate investment deal arranged by a firm that employed former Mayor Richard M. Daley’s nephew has dealt a blow to Chicago’s cash-strapped pension funds, underscoring the need for a 401(k)-style alternative.
Illinois’ income growth second-worst in the nation
Illinois’ income growth second-worst in the nation
Amid two record-breaking income tax hikes, growing property tax bills and population decline, the Land of Lincoln’s income growth is trailing the rest of the nation.