New law reduces barriers to park district employment for ex-offenders
New law reduces barriers to park district employment for ex-offenders
Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed a bill allowing ex-offenders with certain drug convictions to apply for jobs with Illinois park districts within seven years of completing a prison sentence or probation.
Illinois’ out-migration rate many times worse than rates in surrounding states
Illinois’ out-migration rate many times worse than rates in surrounding states
The Land of Lincoln’s out-migration crisis is the most severe in the region and worsening over time.
By Michael Lucci
Illinois’ labor-participation rate lowest since 1970s
Illinois’ labor-participation rate lowest since 1970s
Illinois lags the rest of the Midwest in recovering from the recession.
By Illinois News Network
Illinois employers announce 1,044 layoffs in August
Illinois employers announce 1,044 layoffs in August
August records summer-high job losses, including 495 in manufacturing.
By Brendan Bakala
Rauner lays off final 29 patronage hires made by previous governors
Rauner lays off final 29 patronage hires made by previous governors
Gov. Bruce Rauner has laid off dozens of workers at a state agency, all political hires under previous governors.
By Illinois News Network
Happy Lobster Truck
Happy Lobster Truck
“Talk about a dream come true. I started this business and I started it with my best friends. There’s a lot of pride in building something together. We all grew up in the suburbs and live in Chicago now. We knew we wanted to start this here because it’s our home and doing it for...
Some workers are more equal than others
Some workers are more equal than others
From 2005 to 2014, AFSCME worker salaries grew 5 times faster than Illinois workers’ earnings.
By Austin Berg
Chicagoans drowned in new tax proposal
Chicagoans drowned in new tax proposal
Proposed water and sewer tax hikes hit struggling city residents the hardest.
By Brendan Bakala
Despite budget impasse, state government, health care and social services employment grow
Despite budget impasse, state government, health care and social services employment grow
Government jobs growth continues while Illinois’ private sector suffers from burdensome taxes and regulations.
By Michael Lucci
Caterpillar announces 300 layoffs at Mossville facility
Caterpillar announces 300 layoffs at Mossville facility
The manufacturing company plans to reduce operations in Illinois.
By Brendan Bakala
Frankie Abate
Frankie Abate
“I’ve been in the kitchen my whole life. Never finished college. Almost everybody out here is going all-in on on their truck. Make it or die. Nine out of 10 trucks out here are putting every dollar they have into their business … At the end of the day it’s about more than the food....
Gabe Wiesen
Gabe Wiesen
“Our dream is to make people happy, provide jobs and earn an honest living while serving great food. Same dream of any restaurant owner.” Gabe Wiesen Beavers Donuts
Labor law 101: Understanding the basics
Labor law 101: Understanding the basics
Familiarity with labor law terminology helps Illinoisans understand the impact of government-worker unions and the need for labor reform in the state.
By Mailee Smith