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Real innovation
We can all agree that Illinois’ public higher education system is in a state of crisis – or rather crises. Bruce Rauner, living in his own private Illinois, believes that tax-supported colleges and universities cost too much, thanks to bloated bureaucracies, high pension payouts, union work rules and redundant course offerings.

Trump’s support for apprenticeships falls short
For some, the recent unveiling of President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) pledging to expand apprenticeships nationwide – programs that allow workers to “earn and learn” on the job – was a welcome action in keeping with his campaign promise to get millions of Americans back to work.

Donald Trump’s puny approval rating
Start with The Donald himself, a guy who can’t pass a mirror without casting an adoring eye at his own reflection.

LETTERS
RESPONSE TO ‘KILLING FIELDS’ The recent article by Bruce Rushton titled “Killing Fields” (Jun 22) highlights a growing concern across this country: the soaring number of gun store burglaries. These guns are ending up in the illegal market and are causing the increase in gun violence in Springfield, Chicago and across Illinois.

Rauner goes over reporters’ heads again
But that hasn’t stopped Rauner from trying. It’s what his prolific television advertising is really about.

Other unions dealt with Rauner. Why not AFSCME?
Before becoming governor, Bruce Rauner openly disdained public sector unions. He ridiculed AFSCME, the union representing most state workers as “Af-scammy,” and labeled labor political donations as tantamount to bribes that let unions run roughshod over Illinois.

The bishop cracks down
Folks in same-sex marriages can’t present themselves for communion, nor can they publicly read stuff aloud during services or otherwise have any official role in services. People who have married people of the same sex can have Catholic funeral masses, the bishop wrote, but only if they repent prior to drawing their last breath.

‘This has really got to stop.’
“It’s an interesting time to lead in an educational environment,” said District 186 superintendent Jennifer Gill during a recent interview. “I mean, no business would say, ‘We have no idea how much money we’re going to have but, yeah, let’s go ahead and keep our doors open.

Lincoln papers a mess
These are just a few of conclusions of five historians who were asked by Alan Lowe, director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, to evaluate the project.

MUSIC TIES THAT BIND
Generations of local punk/new wave musicians unite for a concertThis Saturday, July 1, at the Black Sheep Cafe, four bands spanning nearly 40 years of alternative rock, punk and new wave genres play together on the same bill.

Perfect picnics under the stars
Some of my favorite childhood memories of summer include making a warm tomato, basil and brie pasta salad with my older sister to take along on a trip to the Muni.

Mural fiber
Of course, that’s not the whole story. Two young artists will unveil new murals, turning the alleyway between the Reisch Building and the Old Town Mall between Fourth and Fifth streets – immediately west of the Old State Capitol – into a gallery space (the walls were donated by the Stern and Myers families, who own the buildings) from 5 p.

Blistering Baby Driver this summer’s sleeper
Ansel Elgort – who in every film before this has proven to be a master of bland – gives a surprisingly dynamic performance as Baby, a young man who can go nowhere without at least five iPods in his pocket and has a penchant for high-speed, serpentine driving.

Extended Fourth weekend
One could hardly ask for a better party set up than when a major holiday falls on a Tuesday. That makes a four-day weekend for those able to take off Monday, and from what I hear, lots of workers have done so.

BAND SPOTLIGHT | Sarah Shook & the Disarmers
Hell-bent on being about as rough and tumble as a gal can be, while simultaneously coming across as a contemporary country cat out to even the score with every lowdown dog around, Sarah Shook seems heaven-sent in this day of pre-programmed computer music.

PUB CRAWL
Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, Jonathan Field.

THE CALENDAR
Springfield Highland Games and Celtic Festival.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS | Small town, big fun
Agriculture is at the forefront of the 2017 Assumption Fest, the annual small town festival hosted by the Assumption Fest committee that grows bigger and better every year.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS | Patriotism in the park
The fun begins bright and early this Fourth of July in Jacksonville. Nichols Park will once again be the site of the annual Fourth of July Blast, a family-friendly celebration featuring fitness activities, live entertainment, kids’ attractions, fireworks and much more.