Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

May jobs report: Illinois loses 2,500 payroll jobs, workforce shrinks by 9,100

May jobs report: Illinois loses 2,500 payroll jobs, workforce shrinks by 9,100

Weak jobs numbers across the Midwest reflect the possibility of an oncoming economic slowdown. In fact, it would not be surprising to face a recession in the upcoming months, given that U.S. jobs growth has been weakening, and it has been seven years since the previous recession ended – a long period of expansion by historical norms.

By Michael Lucci

How Madigan became king

How Madigan became king

Madigan is the longest-serving House speaker in Illinois history and one of the longest-serving state House speakers in United States history.

By Austin Berg

Governor asks to fast-track AFSCME impasse decision

Governor asks to fast-track AFSCME impasse decision

The governor’s office has asked the Illinois Labor Relations Board to allow the impasse proceedings between the state and AFSCME to go straight to the five-member labor board instead of first waiting for a decision from the administrative law judge.

By Mailee Smith

Speaker Madigan puts politics over people

Speaker Madigan puts politics over people

Madigan’s record $40 billion spending proposal and its $7 billion deficit revealed he was never serious about reaching a budget deal with Rauner. Instead it was nothing more than an attempt to create a deeper fiscal crisis, force additional tax hikes and create a bailout for the city of Chicago. As long as Madigan and other lawmakers keep prioritizing politics over people, Illinois will continue its downward spiral.

By Ted Dabrowski