Features

Waiting in the wings
by Kurt Erickson
Up-and-coming political leaders position themselves to move into starring roles on the electoral stage


Squeezed by sequester
by Jamey Dunn
Programs for women and children are particularly hard hit by federal budget cuts



Unemployed veterans
by Jamey Dunn
Those who’ve served in post-9/11 conflicts discover that civilian occupations may be hard to find

Departments

Editor’s note
by Dana Heupel, Executive Editor
State workers don’t fit negative stereotypes

State of the state
by Jamey Dunn, Statehouse Bureau Chief
Abstinence-only sex education carries consequences, as well


Ends and Means
by Charles N. Wheeler III, Columnist
Program aims to produce strong public affairs reporting

Also in the June issue...

Middle-skills training by Cassandra West
Community colleges try to answer the needs of students and needy employers in high-demand fields

Ready or not by Kristy Kennedy
Studies show that many high school students in Illinois are not adequately prepared for college

Special project

Renewing the partnership between the state and nonprofits
By Brent Never