What a recession would mean for Illinois
What a recession would mean for Illinois
Politicians and pundits can’t seem to agree about whether the U.S. is in a recession, but the semantics matter little for struggling Americans. Illinois can expect economic pain regardless of what it’s called.
By Bryce Hill
Lightfoot’s play to keep Bears could cost up to $2,000 per family
Lightfoot’s play to keep Bears could cost up to $2,000 per family
The Chicago Bears are considering a move to Arlington Heights, but Mayor Lori Lightfoot is pitching a last-ditch effort to revamp Soldier Field. Depending on the option, the tax hit per household ranges from $833 to $2,036.
By Dylan Sharkey, Bryce Hill
Lightfoot’s limos get 5 speed camera tickets, pay none
Lightfoot’s limos get 5 speed camera tickets, pay none
Mayor Lori Lightfoot just cried ‘safety’ in fending off an effort to curb the speed cameras that issued more tickets than Chicago has residents. But her travel detail has its own need for speed: 3 speed cam tickets and 2 warnings.
By Patrick Andriesen
Pritzker sells Thompson Center for one-third of predicted price
Pritzker sells Thompson Center for one-third of predicted price
Gov. J.B. Pritzker sold the iconic state office building in downtown Chicago to Google for $105 million. He settled for far less than the $300 million sale price state politicians predicted.
By Patrick Andriesen
Fact check: Illinois marijuana revenue $600M below potential
Fact check: Illinois marijuana revenue $600M below potential
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is touting how much marijuana revenue Illinois received in 2021. But high taxes and regulatory blunders have kept Illinois weed between $200 million and $600 million shy of its potential.
By Dylan Sharkey
Deb Cohorst
Deb Cohorst
“With inflation out of control and the current state of Illinois debt liabilities, this amendment would be devastating to not only my family but any family."
Illinois slices into family deli’s bottom line
Illinois slices into family deli’s bottom line
Gov. J.B. Pritzker added $650 million in taxes and fee hikes for small businesses in his last budget. Voters will decide Nov. 8 if Illinois’ business climate will get tougher, yet, through Amendment 1.
Pritzker gives himself emergency COVID powers for 32nd time
Pritzker gives himself emergency COVID powers for 32nd time
Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared Illinois a disaster zone for the 32nd time. When this declaration ends, he will have given himself emergency powers for 895 days – more than two-thirds of his term.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois adds 18,800 jobs in June, still missing 117,000 from pandemic
Illinois adds 18,800 jobs in June, still missing 117,000 from pandemic
Illinois’ employment recovery continued in June, but the state is still missing one in seven jobs lost during the pandemic.
By Bryce Hill
Highest inflation in 40 years deals Illinoisans $2,900 pay cut
Highest inflation in 40 years deals Illinoisans $2,900 pay cut
Wages have failed to keep up with inflation, dropping Illinoisans’ purchasing power by $2,900 on average.
By Bryce Hill
Pritzker’s gas tax hike takes $277 from average Illinoisan
Pritzker’s gas tax hike takes $277 from average Illinoisan
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker touted a six-month delay in the next automatic gas tax hike as “tax relief.” But since he assumed office, the gas tax he raised has taken an extra $277 from every person in Illinois.
By Perry Zhao