Illinois may sell Thompson Center for $70M, buy back part for $148M
Illinois may sell Thompson Center for $70M, buy back part for $148M
Has Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker got a deal for you: Sell a whole state building in downtown Chicago for less than half of what taxpayers will pay to get back one-third of it.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois ranks dead last in lawsuit freedom
Illinois ranks dead last in lawsuit freedom
How free are Illinoisans? Below average in most measures, and not very regarding lawsuits, the Cato Institute found.
By Dylan Sharkey
Holiday travel comes with hefty price for Illinois gas
Holiday travel comes with hefty price for Illinois gas
About one-third more people will be on the road this holiday season. For Illinoisans, the gas to get home for the holidays will be pricey.
By Dylan Sharkey
Cook County businesses should require vax proof or COVID-19 test
Cook County businesses should require vax proof or COVID-19 test
Cook County businesses should be checking for proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test before letting anyone in their doors, the health department has declared.
By Dylan Sharkey
Mike Crenshaw
Mike Crenshaw
“I just feel that as a taxpayer, I should be able to decide when I give, and receive, my money. Also. I should be able to decide whether I want to contribute to a pension. I know how to budget my own finances from month to month. That’s something that I teach in my classes.”
38 provisions in Illinois School Code could be undermined by Amendment 1
38 provisions in Illinois School Code could be undermined by Amendment 1
Amendment 1 would allow union leaders to negotiate anything and everything into union contracts – including provisions that could contradict state laws meant to protect Illinois schoolchildren.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago property tax hikes cause housing struggles for seniors
Chicago property tax hikes cause housing struggles for seniors
A report on rapid growth among Cook County’s senior population found nearly 60% spend more than 30% of their income on rent. Experts insist on more county housing options or tactics to lower costs.
By Patrick Andriesen
Lightfoot trying to save Chicago youngsters from kids’ meal soda pop
Lightfoot trying to save Chicago youngsters from kids’ meal soda pop
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot wants to require Chicago restaurants to first offer a selection of government-approved healthy drink options for kids’ meals. Restaurants would be barred from advertising sugary beverage options.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois pension debt is little less worse, but still worst in U.S.
Illinois pension debt is little less worse, but still worst in U.S.
Illinois’ worst-in-the-nation pension debt shrank slightly after investments more than tripled predictions, thanks partly to COVID-19 stimulus. Experts caution 1 year cannot undo decades of overpromising and underfunding.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois gains 19,500 jobs in November, but still lags recovery
Illinois gains 19,500 jobs in November, but still lags recovery
November job gains in Illinois were below the COVID-19 recovery pace set earlier in the year. They continued to lag the national recovery.
By Jon Josko
Al Marogil
Al Marogil
"Without changing the current system, we will continue to drive people out of Illinois and stifle economic growth."
Chicago’s test to hand $500 a month to low-income families stalls
Chicago’s test to hand $500 a month to low-income families stalls
Quick relief was promised for select needy families in Chicago, but it now looks like it will be summer before any of the $500-a-month checks are issued. Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the delay is to prevent abuse.
By Patrick Andriesen