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.
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.
Palatine plans property tax hike as officials ponder other taxes, service cuts
Palatine plans property tax hike as officials ponder other taxes, service cuts
The village and school district will likely raise their property tax levies.
Southern Illinois University chancellor urges administrative spending cuts
Southern Illinois University chancellor urges administrative spending cuts
Despite objections from faculty, one university chancellor is pressing for a campus restructuring that includes curbing the tuition-heightening costs of administrative bloat.
Fare hikes on the way for Chicago train, bus passengers
Fare hikes on the way for Chicago train, bus passengers
The Chicago Transit Authority’s latest budget proposal includes 25-cent fare hikes.
Nancy Merlo
Nancy Merlo
“My dad is from Puebla, Mexico, and my mom is from Michoacán. They decided to open a bakery when they arrived to Aurora, and they saw the opportunity here and started to work toward their goals. I’ve been working since I was little. This is a family owned business so we’re talking about four or...
Small Business Saturday: Illinois’ business climate is unkind to the little guy
Small Business Saturday: Illinois’ business climate is unkind to the little guy
A high cost of doing business and little reason to hope for reform can be enough for Illinois’ small businesses to look elsewhere for success.
Small businesses are Illinois’ lifeblood, but they’re treated like dirt
Small businesses are Illinois’ lifeblood, but they’re treated like dirt
The uncomfortable truth is that no matter how many hands they shake, most General Assembly members aren’t really friendly to small businesses.
More needless referendums to crowd Chicago ballot in 2018
More needless referendums to crowd Chicago ballot in 2018
Chicago City Council continues its tradition of putting popular but toothless measures on the ballot to protect incumbent power and block real reform.
Typical Chicago homeowner will face $174 more in taxes in 2018
Typical Chicago homeowner will face $174 more in taxes in 2018
Increases in several taxes mean a higher tax bill for taxpayers.
Give thanks for Englewood’s chess champions
Give thanks for Englewood’s chess champions
One South Side success story is fighting for its future.
This Thanksgiving, nearly 1M Illinois households forced to rely on food stamps
This Thanksgiving, nearly 1M Illinois households forced to rely on food stamps
The failure of lawmakers to enact policies that spark growth will render millions of Illinoisans dependent on assistance for meals this holiday season.