Forgotten Illinois 2017: Stories from across the state
Forgotten Illinois 2017: Stories from across the state
We're traveling the state to talk to Illinoisans prone to being overlooked.
Madigan Insanity 2018
Madigan Insanity 2018
Zane Peterson
Zane Peterson
“I think there is quite a bit of opportunity still in downstate Illinois. Building relationships has been the No. 1 thing about being here. “When I was in school I interviewed at Northwestern Mutual [in] downtown [Chicago] and that was kind of appealing, but at that point in time I was already forming a business...
Corey Walker
Corey Walker
“My grandfather moved up here for employment. Wagner Castings, back in the ‘60s, was hiring African-Americans in record numbers. “My dad started his business in 1981. I took over 18 years ago now. “He was a very successful African-American business owner. All my life. “That was a time when money was plentiful. Everybody was working....
Chicago’s dizzying alcohol taxes
Chicago’s dizzying alcohol taxes
The combined burden of municipal and state taxes on alcoholic beverages might make Chicagoans think they’re seeing double.
Illinois losing 1 resident every 4.6 minutes to other states
Illinois losing 1 resident every 4.6 minutes to other states
Heavy losses of Illinoisans to other states have caused the Land of Lincoln to shrink for four consecutive years.
School districts across the state raise property tax levies
School districts across the state raise property tax levies
Illinois’ school district debt and unfair government union bargaining laws contribute to the state’s massive property taxes.
Illinois lost 1,100 jobs in November, continues to lag national economy
Illinois lost 1,100 jobs in November, continues to lag national economy
The Land of Lincoln is experiencing weak employment growth and a workforce dropout problem.
Christmas wish list: 12 gifts for Illinois taxpayers in 2018
Christmas wish list: 12 gifts for Illinois taxpayers in 2018
After a punishing 2017, Illinoisans are in dire need of reform from Springfield.
Ill-timed computer glitch causes drop in Illinois food stamp rolls
Ill-timed computer glitch causes drop in Illinois food stamp rolls
Some SNAP-dependent households saw their benefits disappear this holiday season.
Small business victory: Rauner signs law slashing LLC startup fees
Small business victory: Rauner signs law slashing LLC startup fees
Reducing barriers to entry for small businesses is a crucial step toward spurring economic growth in Illinois.
Stocking full of coal: Illinois shrinkage poses major problems
Stocking full of coal: Illinois shrinkage poses major problems
The continuing erosion of Illinois’ tax base is the state’s most pressing budget problem.
Last-minute Christmas shopping? Illinoisans brace for sky-high sales taxes
Last-minute Christmas shopping? Illinoisans brace for sky-high sales taxes
The holiday season is a time for giving. And, by the time Illinoisans complete their shopping, they’ll have given plenty – to state and local governments.
What’s dragging down Illinois’ economy?
What’s dragging down Illinois’ economy?
Illinois would have seen above-average growth if the state’s workforce had simply grown on par with the rest of the U.S. economy. Instead, poor policy choices have made the state an economic laggard. Illinois’ slow expansion is likely a product of investment-killing tax hikes.