Identity theft is, unfortunately, one of those terms that we've become all-too-familiar with over the last couple of decades. Major breaches of security involving some of the world's biggest retailers have made headline news, with millions of people finding out that their information has been compromised. Are there any states that are less vulnerable to these hacks than others?
So, it's cold a lot and it snows plenty and there are mosquitos that can lift a grown man off the ground. But, at least they have ice fishing. Those things, plus (I'm guessing) a few others have combined to make Minnesota the happiest state in the nation, according to a new study. Illinois has all those things, too. Why aren't we the happiest?
My wife Amy and I really never considered geography when it came to bringing our children into this world. Well, maybe a little. I was born at Rockford Memorial (now Mercyhealth), Amy was born at SwedishAmerican, so there were 30 seconds or so of debate about which hospital we'd go with for our first child. Who won the debate? OSF St. Anthony.
There's been a lot of discussion, arguing, and shouting about healthcare over the last few months. What to do about a failing Affordable Care Act, whether to repeal and replace, how we're going to pay for it, etc. But what about the state of healthcare in Illinois? Where do we stand when compared to the nation in general?
Usually, when you think of a summer road trip, you're probably thinking about taking that trip out of Illinois. You may be thinking Wisconsin Dells, Lake of the Ozarks, Indiana Dunes, or maybe even farther-flung locales. A new study suggests that you consider keeping your next road trip within the boundaries of the Land of Lincoln.
The reason I ask is because I got a call the other day from an author who's promoting his latest book. He wondered if I had gotten a copy of the book that he had sent to me at the radio station here in Rockford. When I said that I hadn't, he told me it must have gone to the wrong Rockford.
Gee, I'd almost forgotten that this is the week leading up to Father's Day. I'm always hip to the fact that Mother's Day is on the horizon, but for whatever reason--probably because as the dad in my house I'm not expected to contribute to Father's Day planning--the celebration of fatherhood often slips my mind until I'm buried in cards and neckties.
We haven't had a working budget in the Land of Lincoln for years. We've got pension problems galore, the highest property taxes in the nation, and a pile of overdue bills that would make the strongest desk sag under the weight. So really, could any state be in worse economic shape that we are? In a word: yes.