CEO survey ranks Illinois’ business climate third-worst in the nation
CEO survey ranks Illinois’ business climate third-worst in the nation
Illinois has been ranked third-to-last for business friendliness in three straight surveys of CEOs.
Interstate shipping ban chills Illinois wine business, ices out wine consumers
Interstate shipping ban chills Illinois wine business, ices out wine consumers
Prohibition died in 1933, but alcohol-related cronyism is alive and well.
Illinois borrowing $750M at near-junk credit rating
Illinois borrowing $750M at near-junk credit rating
The state is borrowing millions to finance capital construction projects and information technology improvements. But Illinoisans continue to pay for the worst credit rating of any state in the nation.
Six Illinois metro areas lose jobs over the year, majority see labor force dropout
Six Illinois metro areas lose jobs over the year, majority see labor force dropout
Illinois’ tepid jobs growth has come disproportionately in the Chicago area.
Forgotten Illinois: Aurora
Forgotten Illinois: Aurora
Two sides, one city.
Chicago earns an F in new fiscal report card
Chicago earns an F in new fiscal report card
A new study shows the Windy City’s financial troubles persist, despite a series of tax increases.
In a tough year, some new Illinois laws to welcome
In a tough year, some new Illinois laws to welcome
While 2017 was a bad year for Illinois taxpayers, there are bright spots among the bills that passed the General Assembly.
Record sealing, expungement have the power to reduce crime, benefit Illinois’ economy
Record sealing, expungement have the power to reduce crime, benefit Illinois’ economy
In 2017 the Illinois General Assembly passed two bills that can improve employment outcomes for ex-offenders, potentially reducing crime and saving millions of dollars.
In this Illinois town, every day is Small Business Saturday
In this Illinois town, every day is Small Business Saturday
Sitting astride the Fox River, the city of Geneva is home to a bustling downtown district in a state that’s notoriously tough on small businesses.
Palatine plans property tax hike as officials ponder other taxes, service cuts
Palatine plans property tax hike as officials ponder other taxes, service cuts
The village and school district will likely raise their property tax levies.
Southern Illinois University chancellor urges administrative spending cuts
Southern Illinois University chancellor urges administrative spending cuts
Despite objections from faculty, one university chancellor is pressing for a campus restructuring that includes curbing the tuition-heightening costs of administrative bloat.
Fare hikes on the way for Chicago train, bus passengers
Fare hikes on the way for Chicago train, bus passengers
The Chicago Transit Authority’s latest budget proposal includes 25-cent fare hikes.
Nancy Merlo
Nancy Merlo
“My dad is from Puebla, Mexico, and my mom is from Michoacán. They decided to open a bakery when they arrived to Aurora, and they saw the opportunity here and started to work toward their goals. I’ve been working since I was little. This is a family owned business so we’re talking about four or...
Small Business Saturday: Illinois’ business climate is unkind to the little guy
Small Business Saturday: Illinois’ business climate is unkind to the little guy
A high cost of doing business and little reason to hope for reform can be enough for Illinois’ small businesses to look elsewhere for success.