May Corruption Watch

06/03/2016

May’s corruption headlines show the steep cost nontransparent government can have on taxpayers.

Illinois taxpayers paying for billionaires’ stadiums

06/02/2016

Taxpayers will shell out $36 million for Soldier Field in 2016, in addition to footing the bill for U.S. Cellular Field. And the city of Chicago is still pushing a plan for DePaul University that would cost an initial $55 million for a new basketball stadium.

TAGS: cronyism, tax credits

A mother’s will to win

By Austin Berg

06/02/2016

It’s easy to get cynical about Illinois politics. Frustration is the norm in Springfield. Optimism is an emotional liability. But Lisa Creason doesn’t play by those rules. When it comes to politics in the Land of Lincoln, the single mom from Decatur just pulled off the biggest underdog story of 2016. She drove to Springfield...

TAGS: criminal justice reform, Lisa Creason, occupational licensing

Illinois politicians reintroduce penny-per-ounce ‘sugary drink’ tax

05/23/2016

State lawmakers propose regressive tax on sugary drinks to help fill budget holes created by decades of irresponsible policies.

TAGS: sugar tax, taxes

Endurance: A lesson from generations of American patriots for Illinoisans today

By John Tillman

05/16/2016

Those fighting in Springfield for a better future for Illinois should look to past generations of Americans who stayed the course through long and difficult battles for liberty.

Madigan lawyer sues to block fair-map amendment

By Austin Berg

05/12/2016

In Illinois, politicians pick their voters.

TAGS: fair maps, gerrymandering, Mike Madigan

Illinois progressive-tax proposal is a middle-class tax hike in disguise

By Mark Adams

04/21/2016

A progressive tax would give Illinois politicians carte blanche to raise rates, which would end up sticking middle-class taxpayers with rates originally intended for “the rich” – all while chasing still more residents and businesses out of the state.

TAGS: fair tax, graduated income tax, income tax, progressive income tax

Illinois will temporarily allow registration renewals without vehicle emissions tests

By Amy Korte

02/24/2016

The secretary of state’s office has announced it will temporarily allow drivers to renew their vehicle registrations without first passing emissions tests.

TAGS: emissions test, EPA: Environmental Protection Agency

Illinois EPA has stopped mailing vehicle emissions test notices

By Amy Korte

02/05/2016

Budget gridlock in Springfield has caused the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to stop mailing notices of vehicle-emissions-test requirements to vehicle owners.

New year, outta here: Another Illinois manufacturer seeks refuge in Indiana

By Austin Berg

01/08/2016

Enjoy Life Foods plans to move its lone Illinois manufacturing facility and up to 150 jobs to southern Indiana this year.

TAGS: jobs, manufacturing

Springfield

May Corruption Watch

Illinois taxpayers paying for billionaires’ stadiums

A mother’s will to win

Illinois politicians reintroduce penny-per-ounce ‘sugary drink’ tax

Endurance: A lesson from generations of American patriots for Illinoisans today

Madigan lawyer sues to block fair-map amendment

Illinois progressive-tax proposal is a middle-class tax hike in disguise

Illinois will temporarily allow registration renewals without vehicle emissions tests

Illinois EPA has stopped mailing vehicle emissions test notices

New year, outta here: Another Illinois manufacturer seeks refuge in Indiana

Fighting poverty with employment: Chicago block clubs

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students