Illinois is No. 3 for most state regulations, report finds
Illinois is No. 3 for most state regulations, report finds
A new report confirms what many Illinoisans already knew: the state is one of the most heavily regulated in America, with nearly 260,000 state rules.
Income tax hike dropped Illinois’ economic freedom rank, ‘fair tax’ would drop it more
Income tax hike dropped Illinois’ economic freedom rank, ‘fair tax’ would drop it more
The largest permanent income tax hike in Illinois history was followed by a slide to 34th least-free state in the union, behind nearly every neighboring state.
By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill
Illinois unemployment rate hits low despite tepid jobs growth
Illinois unemployment rate hits low despite tepid jobs growth
Illinois’ unemployment rate hit 3.9% in September – the first time in decades that the jobless rate went under 4%, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
By illinoispolicy
Kentucky billboards advertise Illinois’ woes to lure businesses
Kentucky billboards advertise Illinois’ woes to lure businesses
Kentucky’s economic developers are using billboards along Interstate 57 to bring businesses south by highlighting Illinois’ poor finances, high taxes and unwelcoming business climate.
By Brad Weisenstein
Illinois’ housing recovery still trails rest of nation
Illinois’ housing recovery still trails rest of nation
High property tax bills suppress Illinois housing demand, slowing average growth in home values when compared to the rest of the nation.
By Orphe Divounguy
Al Lashbrook: Benny’s Corner Bar & Grill
Al Lashbrook: Benny’s Corner Bar & Grill
“I grew up in Illinois. I joined the military, took off, went out west, lived out there for a while. I came back and finally married my wife. She’s from Farmington, so I moved out here. We might be here another three years. “I approached my father-in-law about a year and a half ago about...
Craig Schumacher
Craig Schumacher
“I was born and raised here, and I raised my family here. I’ve given 50 years of my life to this state. And it’s just not financially feasible anymore. “I certainly wouldn’t [move] if there wasn’t such a financial difference. We’re deeply rooted here. Sure, Florida’s a nice place to visit, always thought so. But...
Illinois is more dependent on food stamps than any other neighboring state
Illinois is more dependent on food stamps than any other neighboring state
Illinois has a higher percentage of its residents on food stamps than its neighboring states, and has seen a much slower decline in food stamp recipients following the recession.
Illinois city aims to oust little girl’s lemonade stand
Illinois city aims to oust little girl’s lemonade stand
llinois has a reputation for making business harder than it needs to be for entrepreneurs across the state.
By Austin Berg
Illinois bill would allow fast-food restaurants to accept food stamps
Illinois bill would allow fast-food restaurants to accept food stamps
Homeless, disabled and elderly Illinoisans who can’t easily cook a meal could get help by using food stamps at fast-food restaurants.
By Brad Weisenstein
Illinois’ rich millennials are moving to other states
Illinois’ rich millennials are moving to other states
Youthful wealth, energy and talent that could help Illinois recover is leaving the state at the nation’s second-highest rate. State leaders’ thirst for new taxes will make the problem worse.
Chicago rolls out e-scooter pilot program
Chicago rolls out e-scooter pilot program
Thousands of electric scooters have arrived in Chicago as part of a four-month pilot program.
Illinois Supreme Court upholds controversial Chicago food truck restrictions
Illinois Supreme Court upholds controversial Chicago food truck restrictions
The Illinois Supreme Court sided with the city of Chicago following a yearslong court battle over some of the nation’s toughest food truck restrictions.