In a shrinking state, Census sheds light on struggling cities
In a shrinking state, Census sheds light on struggling cities
When people can’t find good job opportunities in Illinois, they are too often forced to leave. And to take their place, too few have enough confidence in the state to move in from elsewhere and build a future.
By Austin Berg
Chicago was the only major U.S. city to lose population from 2016 to 2017
Chicago was the only major U.S. city to lose population from 2016 to 2017
In a shrinking state, half of Illinois’ largest cities have shed population since 2010.
By Austin Berg
Trio of occupational licensing bills en route to governor’s desk
Trio of occupational licensing bills en route to governor’s desk
A series of occupational licensing reform bills making their way out of the General Assembly would help more Illinoisans enter the workforce.
By Vincent Caruso
As budget deadline looms, Illinois lawmakers push bill aimed at carnival workers
As budget deadline looms, Illinois lawmakers push bill aimed at carnival workers
Springfield is struggling to juggle its priorities, with state lawmakers pressing up against time to pass a budget for the coming fiscal year.
By Vincent Caruso
More than 90 local government leaders sign on to letter opposing progressive tax
More than 90 local government leaders sign on to letter opposing progressive tax
Local government leaders across Illinois are asking their state lawmakers to stand up against House Speaker Mike Madigan’s progressive tax push.
By Jim Long
Illinois added 4,700 jobs in April, but workforce continues to shrink
Illinois added 4,700 jobs in April, but workforce continues to shrink
The state also saw a drop in the unemployment rate over the month, fueled by employment gains and labor force decline.
By Bryce Hill
Metro East property tax bills making their way to mailboxes
Metro East property tax bills making their way to mailboxes
Residents of St. Clair and Madison Counties will soon see some of the nation’s most punishing property tax bills.
Retired police official to keep $84K pension despite sexual assault of a minor
Retired police official to keep $84K pension despite sexual assault of a minor
A criminal sexual assault conviction will not interfere with a retired suburban deputy police chief’s $84,000 annual pension.
By Vincent Caruso
Leave your 13-year-old home alone? Police can take her into custody under Illinois law
Leave your 13-year-old home alone? Police can take her into custody under Illinois law
Illinois’ law mandating a minimum age for leaving children home alone is the strictest of its kind in the nation.
By Jeffrey Schwab
Decatur’s fiscal bind may lead to police and fire layoffs
Decatur’s fiscal bind may lead to police and fire layoffs
Reductions in state subsidies are one reason for Decatur’s predicament, but long-running pension woes are an even larger source of pain.