In a victory for Gov. Bruce Rauner and his administration, the Illinois Labor Relations Board ruled in a 5-0 vote on Nov. 15 that the state and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) have reached an impasse in their contract negotiations.

Illinois Republican Party Executive Director Nick Klitzing released a memo following last week’s election results detailing the challenges that now lie before House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) and the Democratic Party in the Land of Lincoln.

Terming the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) an “800-pound gorilla at the negotiating table,” the Illinois Policy Institute recently examined the relationship between the union and Illinois workers, suggesting that the balance of power tends to tilt toward the union.

Dan McCaleb, executive editor of the Northwest Herald, has blasted Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) for his failure to act upon Illinois' overwhelming bill backlog.

Four Illinois manufacturers announced in October that they are leaving Illinois and relocating to bordering states to open up new plants facing less regulation.

On July 1, 2016, Cynthia B. and James Barnes purchased a home at 518 N. Kramer Ave., Lombard from Mary Hall and Mary Uhlich for $300,000.

On July 1, 2016, Masoumeh Ghelichkhani and Soroush Shahbazi purchased a home at 2015 S. Finley Road 711, Lombard from Fannie Mae and Federal National Mortgage Association for $75,000.

How does a basketball team follow up the best season in program history?

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority released the Adult Redeploy Illinois (ARI) annual report this week, saying the prison-diversion program saved taxpayers more than $75 million over the past five years.

The Geneva Fire and Police Commission met Oct. 8 to provide an update on pre-employment screening firms.

The village of Woodridge met Oct. 20 to review the property tax levy.

The West Chicago Police Pension Fund Board of Trustees met Oct. 20 to approve new hires.

The village of Woodridge Board of Trustees met Oct. 20 to dispose of village owned property.

The city of West Chicago Environmental Commission met Oct. 19 to review the priority list.

A nationally recognized rating service's recent decision to downgrade DuPage County's bond rating is not as alarming as it sounds, said a county board member.

Naperville will see no lack of interest in filling four available City Council seats in the spring 2017 election, as five individuals — three incumbents and two new contenders — all declared their candidacies at the earliest opportunity.

The Greater Geneva Art Guild Board met Sept. 14 to review officer reports.

The city of West Chicago Environmental Commission met Sept. 14 to plan highway cleanup.

The village of Oak Brook Board of Trustees met Oct. 25 to discuss street improvement projects.

The Westmont Board of Fire and Police Commission met June 27 to hire probationary patrol officers.