Illinois still has the highest workers’ compensation costs in the region – by far
Illinois still has the highest workers’ compensation costs in the region – by far
A new study reveals that Illinois has the highest workers’ compensation costs in the Midwest and the seventh highest in the United States.
By Michael Lucci
Front lines of a broken state
Front lines of a broken state
What happens to a family that can’t afford to leave Illinois?
Chicago passes largest property-tax hike in modern city history
Chicago passes largest property-tax hike in modern city history
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and city aldermen choose tax hikes over necessary reform.
By Austin Berg
Watch: Chicago cops impound Lyft car for picking up passenger near O’Hare
Watch: Chicago cops impound Lyft car for picking up passenger near O’Hare
Besides what appears to be retaliation against a citizen for exercising his First Amendment rights, the incident reveals the absurdity of Chicago’s ban on airport pickups for popular services such as Uber, Lyft and Sidecar.
By Austin Berg
The Edgar ramp – the ‘reform’ that unleashed Illinois’ pension crisis
The Edgar ramp – the ‘reform’ that unleashed Illinois’ pension crisis
The former governor’s landmark pension bill paved the way for two decades of go-along-to-get-along pension politics, turning Illinois' pension debt into the nation's largest retirement crisis.
By Ted Dabrowski
Susann D.
Susann D.
“I can’t believe I’m still dealing with this. I’ve had to file some sort of [property-tax] appeal almost every single year since I moved here in 1998. “So many seniors’ brains don’t function really well, but I’m lucky I had a professional background that helped me file those appeals. Patience and perseverance are the primary attributes. It...
Illinois’ 17-year jobs depression
Illinois’ 17-year jobs depression
Illinois has no more jobs in 2015 than it had in 1998.
By Michael Lucci
Illinois budget gridlock means no vehicle registration renewal reminders
Illinois budget gridlock means no vehicle registration renewal reminders
The budget stalemate in Springfield has forced Illinois’ secretary of state to suspend mailing vehicle registration renewal notices to vehicle owners.
By Amy Korte
Illinois would have 84,000 more manufacturing jobs had it kept up with neighboring states
Illinois would have 84,000 more manufacturing jobs had it kept up with neighboring states
Illinois’ manufacturing sector’s recovery from the Great Recession has lagged behind the recoveries of nearby states, demonstrating the need for bold, pro-growth reforms to set Illinois back on the path to success.
By Michael Lucci
A model for Illinois: 4 criminal-justice reforms from U.S. public-safety leaders
A model for Illinois: 4 criminal-justice reforms from U.S. public-safety leaders
Police chiefs and prosecutors increasingly support policies to reduce unnecessary incarceration.
By Bryant Jackson-Green
Alex Perry
Alex Perry
“I can tell you with confidence that 100 percent of our clients think it’s the most ridiculous process they’ve ever gone through. It’s been four months and the project behind me still isn’t approved by the city. “I love everything about our shop. We’re proud of what we do. But the worst part of my...