Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

Pritzker’s plastic bag tax is all about green paper

Pritzker’s plastic bag tax is all about green paper

Those pushing the bag tax in Illinois may not care much about the body of research on this topic. They’re looking out for a different kind of green. In a scramble for new revenue and an unwillingness to take on any reform on the spending side, the Statehouse has turned to creative ways to nickel-and-dime residents.

By Austin Berg

Another Chicago alderman pleads guilty to corruption charges

Another Chicago alderman pleads guilty to corruption charges

South Side Ald. Willie Cochran pleaded guilty March 21 to felony wire fraud for spending his ward’s charity funds on personal expenses. That’s 30 Chicago aldermen convicted of corruption since 1972.

Judge orders arrest of 2 former Madigan operatives

Judge orders arrest of 2 former Madigan operatives

Two former political workers for longtime Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan failed to attend depositions in a lawsuit alleging Madigan backed “sham candidates” in his 2016 primary election.

By Austin Berg

Senate bill would double Illinois state gas tax

Senate bill would double Illinois state gas tax

A bill that would double the gas tax imposed at the state level would drive up Illinoisans’ overall gas burden to second-highest in the nation – while hiking a truckload of other vehicle costs including higher license plate fees.

By Vincent Caruso

Jesse Boyle

Jesse Boyle

“Uncertainty is a business’ worst enemy, whether you’re a Fortune 500 company or a small business. “It comes down to whether our policy leaders in Illinois have the political will to stop raising costs. It doesn’t appear that they do. And it’s not sustainable for a smaller business. It just isn’t. “I know the first...