Illinois man’s journey shows state’s failure to forgive
Illinois man’s journey shows state’s failure to forgive
By Joe Kaiser Jason Spyres is one of Illinois’ brightest. This summer, he will be headed to California to attend Stanford University on a full-ride engineering scholarship. Like any student getting into a university of that caliber, it was a grind to get to this point. “I’m lucky that I got in,” Spyres said. “It’s...
Jobs data: After 2017 income tax hike, Illinois slows while nation grows
Jobs data: After 2017 income tax hike, Illinois slows while nation grows
As national jobs growth kept up a steady clip, Illinois saw jobs growth dip after lawmakers passed a historic tax hike.
By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill
Chicago minimum wage rises to $12 per hour
Chicago minimum wage rises to $12 per hour
The city has seen a 45 percent increase in its minimum wage since 2015.
By Eddie Damstra
Illinois’ fireworks ban could land you in jail
Illinois’ fireworks ban could land you in jail
Illinois remains one of only four states to impose severe restrictions on the purchase and use of consumer fireworks.
30 years later, taxpayers still on the hook for White Sox stadium
30 years later, taxpayers still on the hook for White Sox stadium
While the name of the home stadium for the Chicago White Sox has changed over the years, its status as a tax burden has not.
By Eddie Damstra
Illinois state workers who opted out of union should see pay hikes by July
Illinois state workers who opted out of union should see pay hikes by July
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Janus v. AFSCME means state workers previously paying “fair share” fees will no longer see any money deducted from their paychecks on behalf of a union.
By Mailee Smith, Joe Tabor
How an Illinois mom set the stage for monumental Janus decision
How an Illinois mom set the stage for monumental Janus decision
What Harris has in common with Janus is immense courage. Both show the power of a single individual, an Illinoisan, to change the course of the state and the nation.
By Austin Berg
Illinois state government stops collecting ‘fair share’ fees for AFSCME, other government worker unions
Illinois state government stops collecting ‘fair share’ fees for AFSCME, other government worker unions
The state will stop deducting agency fees from workers who have opted out of the union, effective immediately.
By Joe Tabor, Mailee Smith
Moody’s: Janus win potentially credit positive for Illinois
Moody’s: Janus win potentially credit positive for Illinois
A landmark case on worker freedom could have positive effects on Illinois’ fiscal health, according to a leading ratings agency.
By Adam Schuster
Opting out of your union: A ‘how-to’ guide for Illinois teachers, public safety workers and other public employees
Opting out of your union: A ‘how-to’ guide for Illinois teachers, public safety workers and other public employees
A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision marked a new era of freedom for public servants in 22 states, including Illinois. Here’s what public sector workers need to do to secure their newly restored rights.
By Mailee Smith