Remember that corporate tax hike and the hullabaloo that ensued? Well, things are still a bit up in the air, as Illinois lawmakers re-think their original plan. more ›

The on-again, off-again proposal for a Chicago casino, which appears to be on again, is getting a boost from "strong allies" Gov. Quinn and Mayor Emanuel. more ›

Illinois has reportedly received an offer for the prison in Thomson, Illinois for $165 million. Sen. Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) announced the sale price yesterday via his website. In recorded comments, Jacobs celebrated the sale, saying “The most important thing is how many jobs is this going to create? It'll create thousands of new jobs, high paying jobs. Northwest Illinois desperately needs the positions and the opportunity.” Jacobs also said out that the influx of workers to the prison could help start housing developments and help out local shops. more ›

A federal arbitrator dealt what may be the final blow to United Steelworkers Local 7367. The steelworkers' union had argued that ArcelorMittal Steel USA had committed to keeping its Hennepin, IL plant open until 2012, as long as it was productive and profitable. The arbitrator ruled that ArcelorMittal could close the plant permanently. The union had been fighting to reopen the plant, or get ArcelorMittal to agree to sell it to someone who would. more ›

Members of USW Locals 101, 1011 and 7367 held a rally in downtown Chicago Thursday afternoon at the Federal Plaza to demand that ArcelorMittal Steel either reopen their Hennepin, IL finishing plant or allow it to be sold to another company that will. Despite turning a profit of $48 million last year, the global steel giant has idled the Hennepin finishing mill, leaving 300 families downstate unemployed in a county with a 14.1 percent jobless rate. Governor Pat Quinn joined the rally as well, declaring that Illinois needs strong middle class jobs if the state is going to thrive in the economic recovery. more ›