By Patrick Yeagle | Photos by John Muchow About seven years ago, one of Brett Jackson’s employees left his Springfield-based company for a large employer. Jackson realized Systemax, a marketing and supply firm, couldn’t compete with the largest companies on pay and benefits, but he knew he could offer something even more valuable. It was […]
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Rauner halts grand bargain in Senate
By Monica Stabile Gov. Bruce Rauner intervened in the Illinois Senate on Wednesday to stop a “grand bargain” on the state budget, prompting frustration among Senate President John Cullerton, his fellow Democratic senators and even Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno. Without Republican support for the grand bargain, chances of the package passing the Illinois Senate […]
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Editorial: Republicans must answer questions on ACA replacement
By Roberta Codemo, Freelance Contributor Congress was in recess this past week, and congressmen returned to their home districts to face angry constituents who are worried about what is happening in Washington with regard to the Affordable Care Act at a time when support for it has never been higher. In town hall meetings and […]
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A passion for food and laughter – Remembering Brown Hitt
By Patrick Yeagle He served three presidents, catered three gubernatorial inaugurations and met entertainers ranging from Ted Nugent to the Stone Temple Pilots. He’s credited with serving more than one million meals in his lifetime, but more than any of that, Brown Hitt was most proud of his family. “He loved being a dad, a […]
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Bill would force presidential candidates to submit tax returns to state elections board
By Monica Stabile New legislation in Illinois would require candidates for the president of the United States to file federal income tax returns with the state. The bill comes as Republicans in Congress vote down a Democrat-backed resolution that would have formally requested President Donald Trump to release his tax returns. It’s one of a […]
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The trouble with trash
By Patrick Yeagle In some Springfield neighborhoods, trash is a common sight. Old couches, broken appliances and shredded bags of household refuse sometimes litter alleyways and vacant lots, attracting vermin and reducing property values. Last year, the City of Springfield reached a deal with waste haulers to address the problem. While neighborhood advocates say the […]
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Workers’ comp bill introduced
By Monica Stabile A mix of business groups, trial lawyers and health care advocates are fighting over new legislation attempting to change the Illinois workers’ compensation system. The proposal, sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno, would impose a four-year freeze on wages for permanent partial disability, cap disability benefits and limit physical therapy visits, […]
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Kennedy to challenge Rauner in 2018
By MONICA STABILE Editorial Intern Businessman Christopher Kennedy, son of the late Robert Kennedy and nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy, is making a run for Illinois governor to unseat Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in the upcoming 2018 election. Kennedy, the second challenger to announce a bid against Rauner, has never held public […]
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Senate races to pass budget “grand bargain”
By Patrick Yeagle Illinois could be drawing closer to a state budget, with the Illinois Senate passing several pieces of legislation collectively dubbed the “grand bargain.” Lawmakers in the Senate voted yesterday to pass parts of the legislative package, including budget appropriations, changes to state procurement practices, a gaming expansion bill and pension changes for […]
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Bill introduced to require paid sick days
By Monica Stabile Proposed legislation would mandate employers to provide paid sick leave to employees. The Healthy Workplace Act, sponsored by Sen. Toi Hutchinson, D-Chicago Heights, would require that employees receive seven paid sick days during a 12-month period. The bill establishes findings that the majority of low-wage employees often come into work sick because […]
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New home decor shop to open on far west side
Rebecca Knobloch loves to decorate. Now, she’s planning to open her own home decor shop in Springfield later this year. “There just are not a ton of places to go in Springfield to get unique items,” she said. “I found that I was ordering lots of stuff online, so now I’m bringing that type of […]
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Springfield economy would take a hit if state workers strike
By Monica Stabile The largest union of state employees has authorized a possible strike to force Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner to negotiate a contract with them. A strike isn’t certain to happen, but if it does, Springfield’s economy would likely take a hit. In a vote on Feb. 23, more than 80 percent of state […]