New IRS data: Illinois sees record loss of people, income to other states
New IRS data: Illinois sees record loss of people, income to other states
The Land of Lincoln is experiencing heavy losses of people and income to other states, new IRS data reveal. Illinois lost more than 86,000 people and $4.75 billion in adjusted gross income to other states from 2015-2016.
By Austin Berg
Cook County’s notorious soda tax ends today
Cook County’s notorious soda tax ends today
With the repeal of the Cook County sweetened beverage tax, taxpayers remind elected officials who they represent.
By Chris Lentino
Danville officials propose monthly fee of $22-85 for pensions in addition to property tax hike
Danville officials propose monthly fee of $22-85 for pensions in addition to property tax hike
A new city proposal would have owners of Danville property pay fees of up to $1,020 a year just for public safety pensions.
By Brendan Bakala
In need of a comeback story, Illinoisans give thanks to their champions
In need of a comeback story, Illinoisans give thanks to their champions
In a state that can seem devoid of hope, Joe Ocol’s empathy and generosity are something we all should cherish.
By Austin Berg
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.
By Brendan Bakala
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.
By Vincent Caruso
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.
By Austin Berg
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.
By Orphe Divounguy
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.
By Vincent Caruso
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.
By Orphe Divounguy, Joe Tabor
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.
By Amanda McDonald