What is the climate for local businesses in Chicago? Each year, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance conducts its Independent Business Survey about the climate for businesses in Local First communities. In January, 2016, over 100 Chicago businesses participated in the study, answering questions about challenges they face, public policy for...

The city of Flint, Michigan, is now in the early stages of recovery from one of the worst man-made disasters in United States history. Ten thousand children have been exposed to high levels of lead in drinking water due to switching the water supply from Lake Huron to the Flint...