Jobs + Growth

R.J. Cecott

R.J. Cecott

“I have friends that now aren’t getting a paycheck, and they’re still getting hit with car payments or student loans or for rent because they’re living in Chicago.”

Chris Speyrer: Mason City Limits Comedy Club

Chris Speyrer: Mason City Limits Comedy Club

“More than just the money and the shutdowns, the inconsistency in regulations has a domino effect on how you do business with everybody, from vendors to the comedians.”

Vincent Mazzaferro

Vincent Mazzaferro

“$20,000 annually in property taxes is what you pay for on a mansion. This is not a mansion.”

Timothy Carroll

Timothy Carroll

“I went to appeal my property taxes and won. But that same year they increased the levy amount, so my taxes still went up."

Illinois unemployment claims double

Illinois unemployment claims double

Illinois unemployment numbers dropped for a week during the holidays, but they were back up last week as the state's hospitality industry remains out in the cold.

By Brad Weisenstein

Illinois sees worst population decline since World War II

Illinois sees worst population decline since World War II

Even subtracting COVID-19 deaths, Illinois still suffered its largest population drop in modern history in the first year of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s fiscal policies, including 20 new tax and fee hikes, as well as his pandemic response.

By Bryce Hill

Jessica Hababeh: Tasty Spin

Jessica Hababeh: Tasty Spin

“My husband, Mike, and I bought an existing restaurant that was for sale, and we incorporated in October of 2019. He is from Jordan and specializes in the restaurant industry. Together we decided to buy this restaurant as a family legacy, and we have goals of making this a chain.” “We opened during winter –...