Business

Nearly half a century later, many people in Illinois argue the federal CRA has failed to live up to its promise. Whether that’s because the law was too narrow in scope, or because the lending business itself has changed dramatically over the decades, urban metropolitan areas like Chicago are still plagued with crumbling neighborhoods where few lenders are willing to invest.

There’s not a whole lot of optimism in the latest Optimism Index from the National Federation of Independent Business.  The March report showed business optimism is at its lowest point since 2012.  Illinois State Director Noah Finley says owners continue to battle numerous headwinds.

Oberweis operates a total of 43 stores, with the majority in the Chicago area.

Ivory: Tax collector is color-blind, rest of economy should be, too

Entrepreneur Kaia Griffin is a Southeast High School and Howard University graduate.

A Black businessman is telling the Springfield City Council it’s much easier to go into business if you’re white.

Mid-April auction for Wyndham

Candy companies want to know: What will make Americans start chewing gum again?