Does UIS stiff laborers?

University support staff claim pay disparity between union, non-union workers

A group of union workers at the University of Illinois Springfield claims many of their non-union counterparts got raises above the university’s own limits. The workers also claim UIS pays suppo

Illinois preparing health insurance exchange

State will vet private insurance plans in public market

Illinois is preparing to roll out a crucial pillar of the federal health care reforms, but one puzzle piece remains out of place.The state plans to open a health insurance market at the start of 2014,

Innocent, but still guilty

Illinois Innocence Project helps free imprisoned Chicago man with imperfect compromise

Although Anthony Murray walked out of prison on Oct. 31 a free man after 14 years, gaining his freedom required admitting to a murder he says he didn’t commit. “It’s been a long road

Democrats get their Statehouse chance

A new political map and lots of money give an edge to Scherer and Manar

The Republican legislative hegemony in Springfield is in peril. For the first time in almost 20 years, Springfield seems poised to help elect at least one – maybe even two – Democrats to r

Enos School replacement plan under fire

Nonprofit asks state to reexamine cost estimates

A Springfield nonprofit is asking the state to put the brakes on a plan to replace an elementary school building located north of downtown.Jerry Jacobson, spokesman for the nonprofit historic preserva

Volunteering doesn’t pay...or does it?

Day of Action sends 280 volunteers across Springfield

On a blustery Friday, an endless stream of people ambles into the United Way office, filling the small space with white T-shirts bearing the words “Live United.” Moments later, they’

Prescription war escalates

Psychologists seek ability to prescribe drugs

Citing a mental health crisis across the nation, some psychologists in Illinois want the ability to prescribe drugs. But some psychiatrists and physicians aren’t on board.It’s a battle str

Hollywood comes to Petersburg

Mud and money

A classic liberal and a traditional conservative are in a tight race for the new 13th Congressional District

David Gill is an unabashed liberal, even in a time when “liberal” is a dirty word.Gill is running for Congress in the 13th Congressional District as a Democrat, hoping to finally secure th

The Guardian of Lawrence Avenue

Gym owner responds to accidents at dangerous intersection

Countless cars whiz through the intersection of MacArthur Boulevard and Lawrence Avenue every morning and evening, each driver urgently heading to the next stage of the day. At that infamous intersect