Prairie State Wire

From Chicago City Wire

Madigan funding ensures key votes, Illinois Policy Institute reports

By Robert Hadley | 5 years ago

House Speaker Mike Madigan has provided a combined $15 million in funding to dozens of state representatives currently holding office, the Illinois Policy Institute (IPI) reports.

From Chicago City Wire

Tickets available to Kyle Schwarber's charity block party Aug. 26

By Robert Hadley | 5 years ago

Grilled meats, signature cocktails and a charity auction are highlights of Kyle Schwarber’s Second Annual Block Party to honor the city’s first responders.

Moving survey shows outmigration up in Illinois

By Robert Hadley | Aug 9, 2018

Illinois ranks fourth nationwide in terms of outmigration, according to recent data from Stevens Worldwide Van Lines.

This week in Illinois history: Aug. 20-26

By Robert Hadley | Aug 3, 2018

During this week in history, read about how the first Lincoln-Douglas debate occurred, as well as how an earthquake toppled chimneys a century ago, and how a fake news report of an athlete's death propelled her career to greater heights.

This week in Illinois history: Aug. 12-19

By Robert Hadley | Jul 30, 2018

A new city is formed, Adlai Stevenson becomes a presidential candidate again and Charles Comiskey of Comiskey Park fame was born on this date in Illinois history.

This week in Illinois history: Aug. 6-Aug. 12

By Robert Hadley | Jul 23, 2018

This week in Illinois history, learn about early efforts to free slaves, the formation of two cities, and a total solar eclipse.

Retirement plans at root of pension, tax crisis in Illinois, report says

By Robert Hadley | Jul 19, 2018

Illinois taxpayers today owe billions toward the state’s unfunded pension liabilities, according to a report from the economics website Wirepoints.com

5 GOP House candidates to discuss 'infiltrating the Springfield Machine'

By Robert Hadley | Jul 18, 2018

Five Republican candidates who will be on November’s ballots in districts across Illinois will hold a press conference at 4:30 p.m. Thursday to answer the question “What Happens When Conservative Reformers Infiltrate the Springfield Machine?”

ISRA urges local governments to take up gun sanctuary resolutions

By Robert Hadley | Jul 17, 2018

Richard Pearson, the executive director of the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA), recently urged counties that have not passed gun-sanctuary resolutions to do so.

This week in Illinois history: July 30-Aug. 5

By Robert Hadley | Jul 11, 2018

July 30, 1898 - Highwood. Amusement park honoring Civil War General Philip Sheridan opens. Headquartered at the intersection of Clay Street and Sheridan Road in Highwood, Fort Sheridan Park was advertised as a “the only first-class family resort and picnic grounds west of New York,” as a print advertisement proclaims on the Illinois History Journal’s digital archives.

This week in Illinois history: July 23-29

By Robert Hadley | Jul 9, 2018

Learn about the city of Chicago's worst race riots, a tragic tornado and the birth of a three-term governor, this week in Illinois history.

This week in Illinois history: July 16-22

By Robert Hadley | Jul 3, 2018

In this week's history lesson, learn how FDR secured a third presidential nomination, plus see why a 600-year-old Native American site is worthy of listing as a national landmark.

Liberty Justice Center attorney says practical, ideological reasons led to SCOTUS decision on union fees

By Robert Hadley | Jun 29, 2018

The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling this weak overturning a decades-old decision allowing unions to charge non-members for lobbying seems to belong a world away, ideologically, from the one in 1977 that said such fees were constitutional.

Gun-rights advocate questions constitutionality of Morrison's pending legislation

By Robert Hadley | Jun 27, 2018

A bill sponsored by state Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) that would restrict the use of assault weapons is problematic, not only for being vague, but for abridging gun owners’ rights, according to gun lobbyist Todd Vandermyde.

This week in Illinois history: July 9-15

By Robert Hadley | Jun 25, 2018

Learn about the first open-heart surgery, the Scopes Trial and the launch of Streeterville, all of which happened this week in Illinois history.

This week in Illinois history: July 2-8

By Robert Hadley | Jun 18, 2018

Learn about the history of Illinois' capitol building, the sinking of the Columbia steamship and Comiskey Park's first all-star game this week in Illinois history.

This week in Illinois history: June 25-July 1

By Robert Hadley | Jun 12, 2018

Learn how Lincoln's Dred Scott speech put him on the political map with abolitionists, plus see how a strong judge dampened frontier lawlessness in this week's Illinois history.

Conservatives can still wage the character battle, Elder says

By Robert Hadley | Jun 8, 2018

In the wake of revelations about President Donald Trump’s alleged infidelities, is the character issue over as a point of difference for Republican candidates? Larry Elder, author and conservative talk show host, says character still matters in a post-Trump presidency.

Benefits of Kanye West's Trump support outweigh risks, Elder says

By Robert Hadley | Jun 7, 2018

Backers of President Donald Trump should welcome support from pop stars like Kanye West, who has vocalized his approval of Trump from the moment he was elected, according to conservative talk show host and author Larry Elder.

Elder says school choice is key selling point for Republicans trying to reach black voters

By Robert Hadley | Jun 7, 2018

To reach black voters, who traditionally vote Democrat, with a Republican message, conservative author and talk show host Larry Elder says talking about the differences in education policy is key.