Stories | Rockford Sun

Analysis: Illinois has nation's steepest 'wealth flight' income differential

By Rockford Sun | Jan 20, 2017

After Illinois’ personal income tax was hiked just 2 points — from 3 to 5 percent — in early 2011, a record number of residents packed their bags, revealing what the Illinois Policy Institute termed “wealth flight.”

Workers' comp reform a top priority for Rauner in 2017

By Rockford Sun | Jan 20, 2017

Getting Illinois back on its feet has been a top priority for Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner since he took office two years ago.

South Beloit Zoning Board of Appeals/Planning Commission to consider zoning code amendment to allow for Urban Transitional PUD

By Lhalie Castillo | Jan 17, 2017

South Beloit Zoning Board of Appeals/Planning Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Jan. 18.

Machesney Park Public Improvements & Safety Committee to discuss River Gauge

By Lhalie Castillo | Jan 17, 2017

Machesney Park Public Improvements & Safety Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17.

South Beloit Council to vote on franchise agreement with Rock Energy Cooperative

By Lhalie Castillo | Jan 17, 2017

South Beloit Council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Machesney Park Liquor Commission to vote on a Class A license approval

By Lhalie Castillo | Jan 17, 2017

Machesney Park Liquor Commission will meet at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Analysts say Trump, Congress can help GOP expand in Illinois

By Rockford Sun | Jan 13, 2017

The result of this year’s November election was arguably the most surprising event of 2016.

Job training available to select SNAP recipients

By Rockford Sun | Jan 13, 2017

The Illinois Department of Human Services and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have openings available to help SNAP recipients receive training and learn skills to gain meaningful employment.

Illinois wins $850,000 for small business exports

By Rockford Sun | Jan 13, 2017

Under the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) auspices, Illinois’ Office of Trade and Investment has been awarded $850,000 in federal funding to promote small-business growth with an emphasis on expanding exports.

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Easy street may be over for Illinois' House Democrats

By Rockford Sun | Jan 13, 2017

Illinois House Democrats may be coming to the end of a “comfortable" era working alongside Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago), with longtime mutual back-scratching among the statesman’s elected cronies possibly diminishing soon, according to the News-Gazette.

Mautino allegedly admits to violating state transparency laws in lawsuit response

By Rockford Sun | Jan 12, 2017

Nearly one year after a government watchdog group exposed the questionable campaign spending of Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino that launched state and federal investigations, Mautino’s response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit is confirmation that he broke state laws, the group claims.

Chicago Tribune expects 2017 will mean more Madigan-generated woes for Illinois

By Rockford Sun | Jan 12, 2017

Even as Gov. Bruce Rauner continues to strive toward a potential state budget solution, House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) “delays and offers nothing,” the Chicago Tribune recently reported while continuing its coverage of Illinois’ hemorrhaging finances.