Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

Illinois employers announce 600 layoffs in June

Illinois employers announce 600 layoffs in June

Illinois’ June WARN report shows 600 mass layoffs for the state in June, with 44 jobs lost in manufacturing, an improvement over May’s 1,300 layoffs and 500 manufacturing job losses.

Illinois’ AFSCME contract needs a reality check

Illinois’ AFSCME contract needs a reality check

AFSCME is demanding pay hikes, better health care coverage and pension benefits over a new, four-year contract, which would cost state taxpayers $3 billion more than what the state is offering.

By Austin Berg

Regulatory excess can transform entrepreneurs into unwitting criminals

Regulatory excess can transform entrepreneurs into unwitting criminals

Illinois entrepreneurs face myriad regulations that impede starting or running a business. Compliance with those regulations is costly; more importantly, it is almost impossible for entrepreneurs to know every regulation that affects their businesses. The uncertainty of not knowing the law creates a regulatory minefield and takes away opportunity for Illinoisans.

By Mark Adams

Corruption Watch

Corruption Watch

Headlines in June show why Chicago is considered one of the most corrupt cities in the world.

Illinois one of few states still recovering from the Great Recession

Illinois one of few states still recovering from the Great Recession

Most states have far outstripped Illinois on the number of jobs recovered. And even worse, Illinois has also lagged in the quality of jobs recovered. Illinois was the 37th state to recover and match its pre-recession jobs count. But there are still 110,000 fewer Illinoisans working today than before the recession began.

By Michael Lucci

Post-mortem: What’s in Illinois’ stopgap budget?

Post-mortem: What’s in Illinois’ stopgap budget?

The stopgap budget passed by the General Assembly provides six months worth of funding for government services such as road construction, as well as a full K-12 education budget for the 2016-2017 school year, property-tax-raising authority for Chicago, and more state funding of pensions for Chicago Public Schools teachers.

By Heather Weiner

Gov. Bruce Rauner signs stopgap budget

Gov. Bruce Rauner signs stopgap budget

The stopgap budget compromise reached between the General Assembly and Gov. Bruce Rauner will fund government operations for the next six months and ensure that schools open on time in the fall.

By Hilary Gowins