Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

Jim Work

Jim Work

“I’m a case study in who you don’t want leaving the state. “I grew up in Wheaton and went to college for accounting at NIU, but I was working in construction the whole time. It was so much better than the typical minimum wage job you get to pay for tuition. You could work outside,...

Comptroller halts funding for state IT modernization program

Comptroller halts funding for state IT modernization program

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is suspending funding for a technology initiative Gov. Bruce Rauner has said would save taxpayer money and promote efficiency, data security and transparency in state government.

AFSCME’s battle with Rauner is far from over

AFSCME’s battle with Rauner is far from over

An Illinois appellate court ruled in favor of AFSCME March 1, but that isn’t the end of the court battle between the state and its largest government-worker union. The court’s order to prevent the governor from implementing his contract offer is temporary, and there is much more to come.

By Mailee Smith

The fair share option for Rockford school workers who don’t want to strike

The fair share option for Rockford school workers who don’t want to strike

Bus drivers, paraprofessionals and food services workers at Rockford Public Schools will go on strike March 15 if a new contract is not reached soon. Employees who want to go to work can be punished by AFSCME Local 692. They can avoid union punishment by becoming fair share payers.

By Mailee Smith

Illinois politicians dub March 8 ‘Cubs Day’ despite contentious history

Illinois politicians dub March 8 ‘Cubs Day’ despite contentious history

Springfield lawmakers passed a ceremonial resolution March 8 congratulating the Chicago Cubs on winning the 2016 World Series. But that pat on the back doesn’t make up for the adversarial relationship politicians have held with the Cubs and other professional sports franchises in Chicago.