Berg: While politicians posture, Illinois industry is getting crushed
A glimmer of hope flashes in the furnaces of TriALco. Located just outside of Ford Heights, one of the poorest areas in Illinois, Jay Armstrong has been running this small...
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Berg: Feckless Frank and the arrogance of Illinois’ political insiders
In 2015, Illinois needed a new financial watchdog. Auditor General William Holland was in charge of scrutinizing public pocketbooks. But after more than two decades at the helm, he was...
Berg: What Illinoisans should know about their taxes
Tax Day might be behind us, but Illinoisans have plenty of reasons to worry about their finances. Here are three things families in the Land of Lincoln need to know...
Berg: Illinois democracy is an empty shell
Good news: Springfield is working. Don't believe me? How else could you explain the following? On March 28, an Illinois House committee passed 1,464 bills with unanimous support. In a...
Berg: Illinois’ employment drought and the oases next door
"I feel like a dog whose owner has died." Rick Schock was among 800 Caterpillar employees in Aurora who heard news in March of mass layoffs affecting their jobs. He's...
Berg: Don’t be fooled by ‘penny for schools’ tax
A Missouri corporation is making a pretty penny helping to hike local sales taxes across Illinois. But in the process, it's proving how local governments shirk responsibility to keep their...
Berg: A pill bill could help save lives
More Illinoisans die from an opioid overdose than from the barrel of a gun. But imagine the public outcry if a state-run program was passing out weaponry to civilians. Enter...
Berg: Illinois universities charge high prices
Joni Sorce feels conned. Her daughter graduated from Illinois State University in 2014. They now share more than $60,000 in debt. Sorce's youngest daughter will graduate high school this spring,...
Berg: Sugary drink tax would be a bitter pill to swallow
If you know southern Illinois, you know Ski. Made with real lemon juice, orange juice and pure cane sugar, Ski soda comes in a green glass bottle from a bygone...
Berg: The truth about your property tax bill
Illinoisans are struggling to pay the highest property taxes in the nation, and that's largely due to unfair overspending in local governments. But you wouldn't know it by asking your...