The Rise and Regulation of Prediction Markets

The growing popularity among states to legalize sports gambling has led way to another growing phenomena, prediction markets. These markets—platforms where users trade on the outcome of future events—have transitioned from academic curiosities to a multi-billion dollar industry. The concept of participating in prediction markets is simple: a user pays a sum of money toContinue reading “The Rise and Regulation of Prediction Markets”

U of I Flash Index shows uptick in Illinois economy for May

The University of Illinois’ Flash Index, a measure of the overall performance of the Illinois economy, recently reported an increase after four straight months of decline. The Flash index is “the weighted average of Illinois growth rates in corporate earnings, consumer spending, and personal income as estimated from receipts for corporate income, individual income, andContinue reading “U of I Flash Index shows uptick in Illinois economy for May”

The economics of Chicago’s Italian Beef Sandwich

Italian beef sandwiches have been a staple of Chicago cuisine, but with the popularity of the tv show The Bear it has elevated its presence on the national scene. So much so that there has been a growing appetite within the General Assembly to make it the national sandwich of Illinois. The origin of theContinue reading “The economics of Chicago’s Italian Beef Sandwich”

Hello NITA, Goodbye RTA

The Illinois General Assembly has adjourned from the Spring Legislative Session and one of the newest governmental entities that was created is the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA). Established under Public Act 104-0457, the NITA replaces the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) beginning on September 1st, 2026, and will oversee the three main transit entities – Continue reading “Hello NITA, Goodbye RTA”