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
Cook County board president proposes tax on sugary drinks
Cook County board president proposes tax on sugary drinks
Implementing a taxpayer bill of rights could prevent Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle from increasing the county’s already-high tax burden.
Chicago Teachers Union authorizes strike
Chicago Teachers Union authorizes strike
Many educators are wary of a strike’s hardships and long-term consequences for students, their families and the educators themselves. These teachers can remove themselves from CTU authority and the conflict between union priorities and students’ needs.
By Mailee Smith
Teachers who oppose CTU strike can opt out of union
Teachers who oppose CTU strike can opt out of union
Resigning from the union before the potential upcoming strike can protect teachers from union discipline.
By Mailee Smith
Why Illinoisans leave for Indiana: Elkhart, Ind., has 20,000 more jobs than workers
Why Illinoisans leave for Indiana: Elkhart, Ind., has 20,000 more jobs than workers
Policy reforms in Indiana have led to significant jobs growth, but lawmakers in the Land of Lincoln haven’t taken note.
By Michael Lucci
Which Illinois county is most likely to lock you up?
Which Illinois county is most likely to lock you up?
Research shows Hardin, Macon and Marion Counties lead the state in prison admissions per 10,000 residents.
By Bryant Jackson-Green
Amid political darkness, a bright spot in criminal justice reform
Amid political darkness, a bright spot in criminal justice reform
Pete Leonard has employed 35 ex-offenders since 2009 at Second Chance Coffee Company in Wheaton.
By Austin Berg
Injured Illinois workers take 50 percent more time off than peers in surrounding states
Injured Illinois workers take 50 percent more time off than peers in surrounding states
Illinois law gives financial incentives to many injured workers to stay off the job and to doctors to prescribe more medications to workers’ compensation patients.
By Michael Lucci
August jobs report: Worst manufacturing month since Great Recession, unemployment falls due to workforce dropout
August jobs report: Worst manufacturing month since Great Recession, unemployment falls due to workforce dropout
The August BLS jobs report shows Illinois is down 8,000 manufacturing jobs on the year, giving the state the worst manufacturing job losses in the region, and a summer workforce contraction totaling 100,000 people.
By Michael Lucci