Latest News from Prairie State Wire

Sen. Morrison's quip to gun owner evokes crowd's applause, Breitbart's scrutiny, ISRA's resolve

By Brent Zell | Jun 27, 2019

An Illinois state senator's comments about the potential confiscation of guns from their owners has gained national attention but came as no surprise to the executive director of the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA).

Political reporter says lessons to be learned in Virginia's election results

By Brent Zell | Nov 30, 2017

A political reporter recently said on a Chicago radio show that the results of Nov. 8 elections in several states were mostly in line with history — but still contained some lessons for Republicans to learn from.

Cook County commissioner wants to put cannabis legalization question to voters

By Brent Zell | Nov 29, 2017

Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey plans to bring the issue of recreational use of marijuana before the county's voters.

Trade, leverage are two big issues facing US, China, reporter says

By Brent Zell | Nov 29, 2017

Trade and leverage will be two big issues between the United States and China going forward, a Fox News Radio reporter said recently on a Chicago radio show.

Frerichs 'another Madigan ally' backing Pritzker, state GOP says

By Brent Zell | Nov 21, 2017

State Treasurer Mike Frerichs' recent endorsement of Illinois Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker has drawn concern from the state's Republican Party.

New Pritzker promise on tax returns draws skepticism from state GOP

By Brent Zell | Nov 20, 2017

Democrat gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker has renewed his long-standing promise to release his tax returns, although the state Republican Party remains skeptical.

Columnist: Harassment culture in Springfield needs to change

By Brent Zell | Nov 17, 2017

A victim-rights advocate's claim that she was harassed by a Chicago senator has highlighted what a policy analyst says is a culture of harassment in Springfield.

Pritzker stays silent on Madigan's reign at Aurora debate

By Brent Zell | Oct 25, 2017

Illinois Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker declined to criticize House Speaker Mike Madigan at an Aurora debate recently, according to the Illinois Republican Party.

'Illinois economy continues to sputter' as state loses nearly 11,000 jobs in September

By Brent Zell | Oct 22, 2017

Illinois' unemployment rate remained at 5 percent in September despite the state losing nearly 11,000 non-farm jobs, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) reported recently.

Even Democrats appear angry at Pritzker, Kennedy over tax returns

By Brent Zell | Oct 22, 2017

The Illinois Republican Party is asking when two Democratic gubernatorial candidates will release their tax returns after they pledged to do so.

Illinois Right to Life 'devastated, heartbroken' by Rauner over abortion measure

By Brent Zell | Oct 1, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner went back on his word and has forced Illinoisans to start paying for abortions regardless of their personal beliefs, Illinois Right to Life said in an email recently.

Sanguinetti opposed Rauner on abortion expansion

By Brent Zell | Sep 30, 2017

Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti was against Gov. Bruce Rauner's decision to expand taxpayer funding for abortions in Illinois, according to a statement she released on Thursday, the same day the governor signed HB40 into law.

Catholic group demands Rauner resignation after 'betrayal' on abortion

By Brent Zell | Sep 30, 2017

A Catholic non-profit advocacy group is calling for Gov. Bruce Rauner to resign after his signing of a bill that expands taxpayer-funded insurance coverage for abortions in Illinois.

Illinoisans given new opportunity to receive high school diploma

By Brent Zell | Sep 24, 2017

An Illinois adult's path to a high school diploma got smoother on Friday, according to a press release.

Illinois media praises school funding reform, Rauner's efforts

By Brent Zell | Sep 3, 2017

Illinois' new school funding formula is drawing praise from media outlets throughout the state, the Illinois Republican Party reported recently.

Besler back with advocacy group after stint with Rauner team

By Brent Zell | Sep 1, 2017

Matthew Besler is back in his lead role with the Illinois Opportunity Project after serving as chief strategic adviser for Citizens for Rauner Inc. since July, according to a press release.

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Rauner looks to House to send more money to most state schools

By Brent Zell | Aug 15, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner must rely on the Illinois House to trust the math of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) after the Senate on Sunday seemingly ignored an analysis showing that 97.5 percent of public schools would get more money under Rauner's amendments to Senate Bill 1.