“Lockbox” amendment will decide how transportation funds can be spent
“Lockbox” amendment will decide how transportation funds can be spent
Voters will have the opportunity in November to decide, by way of a constitutional amendment, whether lawmakers should be able to divert transportation funds toward other priorities.
By Heather Weiner
Equal plant closure in Kankakee County
Equal plant closure in Kankakee County
The artificial sweetener manufacturer will lay off 89 workers and move out of state.
By Brendan Bakala
Chicago politicians get cheap tickets for Cubs playoff games
Chicago politicians get cheap tickets for Cubs playoff games
Granting favors to politicians is the cost of doing business for sports team owners in Chicago.
Illinois companies announce nearly 800 layoffs
Illinois companies announce nearly 800 layoffs
September WARN report shows 790 mass layoffs, including 128 in manufacturing.
By Brendan Bakala
Craig Alexander
Craig Alexander
“I’m against buying anything in Chicago. I wouldn’t want property. You basically have to pay a mortgage and pay rent still, because of the taxes.” Craig Alexander Hero Coffee Bar
S&P downgrades Illinois credit rating closer to junk
S&P downgrades Illinois credit rating closer to junk
The ratings agency also warns that another downgrade could be coming if the state doesn’t enact serious reforms to improve its fiscal condition.
By John Klingner
Illinois entrepreneurs deserve the right to earn a living
Illinois entrepreneurs deserve the right to earn a living
Illinois lawmakers should support a statewide law that limits government business regulations to only those necessary and carefully tailored to serve a legitimate public health, safety or welfare purpose.
By Michael Lucci
Rauner, lawmakers push for IDs for ex-offenders
Rauner, lawmakers push for IDs for ex-offenders
Gov. Bruce Rauner and a bipartisan group of lawmakers are supporting SB 3368, which would issue IDs to ex-offenders immediately upon release from prison, easing their transition to post-prison life and employment.
By Bryant Jackson-Green
Pardess Mitchell
Pardess Mitchell
“I was born and raised in Illinois. We’ve been living here in Lake County for 16 years, my husband and I. But our property taxes have gone up $5,000 over the past four years. The property taxes are now more than our mortgage – we’re paying more than $15,000 a year on a home we...
Peoria hits record low for manufacturing jobs amid CAT layoffs
Peoria hits record low for manufacturing jobs amid CAT layoffs
The Land of Lincoln’s unfriendly climate for manufacturers has weakened Illinois cities, discouraged investment and made the state uncompetitive in the region.
By Michael Lucci
Madigan’s army: Power through patronage
Madigan’s army: Power through patronage
Illinoisans have the lowest trust in state government of any state in the nation.
By Austin Berg
Motorola has begun new round of layoffs in Chicago
Motorola has begun new round of layoffs in Chicago
Motorola is expected to cut hundreds of workers from its Chicago operations.
By Amy Korte
Moody’s issues another CPS credit downgrade
Moody’s issues another CPS credit downgrade
Another credit downgrade shows borrowing, taxes and bailouts can’t fix CPS’ financial crisis, but real structural reforms are needed.
By John Klingner