by Sam Fisher, IPA president & CEOUnfortunately, I have learned a lot more about trade laws and tariffs than I had ever anticipated. As I wrote in a previous editorial, I understand that trade laws are in place for a reason – ultimately, to protect American jobs and interests – but this round of tariffs will devastate our industry and the communities we serve.We have every right to protect the best interests of our industry, but equally important is to convey the message that new...

House Bill 4232, sponsored by Rep. Dave Severin (R-Marion), which sought to eliminate the publication of the school statement of affairs in newspapers was soundly defeated today by the Illinois House of Representatives. Severin’s bill received only 29 votes in favor of passage, less than half of the 60 votes the measure required to advance to the Senate.  This is a huge win for Illinois’ newspapers and demonstrates that most legislators still believe in public notice &ndash...

By Sam Fisher, IPA president & chief executive officerWhen it comes to informing local people about local issues, nobody does it better than newspapers. Admittedly, I’m biased, having spent my career in the industry and now serving as the head of the Illinois Press Association.  Throughout my career, I’ve seen the unique bond that exists between a newspaper and the community it serves at so many levels. Every legislative session there is an attempt by legislators to tak...