(05-13-2017 09:30 AM)Love and Honor Wrote:  As long as Mike Madigan stays speaker, things are unlikely to improve imo. But when he eventually does retire or kick the bucket whoever is his right-hand man will probably step in and nothing will change, although there's the slight chance they're an improvement.

Changing faces won't do it. Illinois has a culture of corruption and a culture of repressing grassroots democratic social movements. The whole Race to the Top Bush/Obama education model came out of crushing the local school council movement and turning education from community to corporate control. You literally went from involved parents and teachers and community people to corporate execs running the schools. Now, a third of Chicago's inner city public neighborhood schools are closed and kids are commuting 1-2 hours each way across gang lines to get to school (or dropping out). It's a system where the political parties on both sides and the big money developers and corporate leaders run relays and the voters are told changing parties will make a difference. I spent half my youth in Chicago but don't miss it at all (well, I miss the food and music but that's about it).

Only way Chicago/ IL changes is thru bankruptcy or a nuclear bomb hits. Professional theIves (Madigan & Co) do not change, that's why their pros.

Lots of Iowans and Nebraskans move to Chicago area and the number of stay and play here is enormous. Chicago had it best tourist season ever last year, tourism is a significant job creator. Do an INfoUSA or Google search for new hotel construction in Metro Chicago, you will be surprised

Over 90% of people I know are looking to get the hell out of Illinois, kids are just keeping us here. Property taxes are horrendous. And regarding theast post, tourism brings in people but not good jobs. Just look at all the hot tourist spots with tons of low paying jobs. The Caribbean and Mexico would have nothing but rich people if tourism could support an economy.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

Tourism drives up costs for locals and creates a bevy of mediocre jobs that form a service\servant economy. Meanwhile, city resources are directed more towards the tourist needs.

After bottoming out in the fall of 2015, Akron will see its second straight increase in Freshman enrollment numbers. Early estimates are more than 1500 additional students enrolled over last year.

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/2017/06/1...e/azccllb/

What's th S going to do to NIUs athletic budget.... raise fees and make the students subsidize it?