News

Legalized pot leads to more stoners on the road, studies show

By W.J. Kennedy | Jan 4, 2019

Legalization of recreational marijuana use in Illinois will almost certainly lead to a sharp increase in the number of motorists driving stoned, studies and surveys in states where pot is legal show. In Colorado, at least, fatal accidents shot up at an alarming rate during a period when legal adult use began in late 2012 followed by sales in 2014. From 2013 to 2015, traffic fatalities there rose 40 percent.

Lawmakers' public pension claims are a “fiction,” fiscal watchdog says

By W.J. Kennedy | Nov 18, 2018

Late last month, the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) announced it needed an additional $400 million from Springfield next fiscal year, which begins July 2019.

Taxes, not climate, driving Illinoisans to other states, data/survey show

By W.J. Kennedy | Oct 25, 2018

Economic data and a statewide survey of registered voters show that high taxes and a negative view of a state’s economy are the leading reasons why people pack up and leave their state for another.

Communist Party USA “involved” in Sean Casten bid to unseat Peter Roskam in the 6th

By W.J. Kennedy | Oct 23, 2018

An election guide posted on the Communist Party USA’s (CPUSA) website said that the party is “deploying its resources” to unseat U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Ill.), as part of a larger effort to flip 24 Republican seats the Democrats need to capture control of the House.

Lawmakers face criticism over public school pension-spiking bill

By W.J. Kennedy | Oct 11, 2018

One of the state’s most respected fiscal watchdogs is warning taxpayers to be on the lookout for legislation in Springfield that would give new life to the practice of “pension spiking” for public school teachers.

Lou Lang case shows little recourse exists for those who claim sexual harassment by lawmakers

By W.J. Kennedy | Sep 7, 2018

“I have been vindicated and the matter is now closed,” state Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie) said in a statement issued on Sept. 5 after an investigation cleared him of harassment allegations.

Illinois is one of the nation’s top cheats in the welfare game

By W.J. Kennedy | Aug 29, 2018

Illinois has mastered the art of gaming the federal food stamp program to where 101 of its 102 counties continue to fall under a recession-era expansion of the program despite near record-low unemployment levels, according to a recent study by the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA).

Ives considering legislation mandating employers notify all public employees about rights in light of Janus decision

By W.J. Kennedy | Jul 27, 2018

State Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) surveyed cities and school districts in her legislative district asking how they plan to comply with June's U.S Supreme Court ruling that abolished 40 years of compulsory unionism.

Medium madiganmakingstatementfromyoutube1280x640

Clients of former Madigan aide silent on harassment allegations

By W.J. Kennedy | Jul 25, 2018

Lobbying clients of Shaw Decremer, a former aide to House Speaker Michael Madigan, did not respond to requests for comment on allegations of harassment involving their influence peddler in Springfield.

Lobbying business for former Madigan aide booming despite harassment allegations

By W.J. Kennedy | Jul 16, 2018

A former aide to House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) has maintained a healthy stable of lobbying clients five months after Madigan's office supposedly cut ties with him over multiple allegations of sexual harassment.

'It's nonsense': PR firm owned by state rep's wife dubbed 'disadvantaged' to win giant government contracts

By W.J. Kennedy | Jul 15, 2018

Chicago's Morreale Communications is certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), meaning that it’s listed among other minority firms that by law must receive a certain percentage of any contracts bid out by the Illinois Tollway.

Cortes: Durbin ICE comments 'appalling attack on thousands of brave agents'

By W.J. Kennedy | Jul 3, 2018

At a recent immigration rally in Chicago, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) goose-stepped in line with the rising far left of the Democratic Party and insulted the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE), calling them a “group of incompetents" during a CNN interview.

Rent control initiatives to get new life in Springfield next year

By W.J. Kennedy | Jun 21, 2018

Rent control initiatives in Springfield were stranded when the 2018 regular legislative session ended on May 31, but landlords and property managers in Illinois anticipate a more aggressive push when the General Assembly convenes in January 2019.

GOP donor falling for Dems' ploy by threatening to cut off campaign funds over DACA, CNN analyst says

By W.J. Kennedy | May 29, 2018

Former Exelon Chairman John Rowe is playing into the hands of Democratic congressional leaders by threatening to cut off campaign funds to Republican congressmen if they refuse to sign a discharge resolution forcing a vote on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and other immigration reform bills, CNN political commentator Steve Cortes told Prairie State Wire.

Illinois State's Attorneys Association troubled by Rauner's proposed burden of proof in death penalty cases

By W.J. Kennedy | May 23, 2018

Gov. Bruce Rauner is asking Illinois lawmakers to reinstate the death penalty under a burden of proof never before used in American courts.

Schneider, Shaw to serve as GOP co-chairs in deal that averts showdown

By W.J. Kennedy | May 18, 2018

In a surprise move, Republican state chairman Tim Schneider and his challenger, Mark Shaw, chairman of the Lake County Republicans, struck a deal to serve as state co-chairmen just a few days before party elections.

Rotheimer, Ives fight on for victims rights in Springfield

By W.J. Kennedy | May 17, 2018

The latest skirmish in the campaign victims rights activist Denise Rotheimer is waging, nearly single-handedly, to give rights to accusers in sexual harassment charges within the General Assembly erupted before the House Task Force on Sexual Harassment and Discrimination recently.

Central Committeeman McGlasson encourages Winchester to challenge outcome of 15th District results

By W.J. Kennedy | May 14, 2018

John McGlasson can empathize with Bob Winchester and his ongoing fight in the 15th congressional district to get a true counting of the votes in his contentious battle with state Sen. Chapin Rose (Mahomet) for State Central Committee.

Family Institute: Republicans voting for LGBT education bill will be held accountable

By W.J. Kennedy | May 4, 2018

Two Republican state senators, Jason Barickman (Bloomington) and Chris Nybo (Elmhurst), voted for legislation that would require lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) lessons in the Illinois public schools, and the head of the Illinois Family Institute (IFI) promises their constituents are going to hear about it. Repeatedly.

Attorney: disputed Republican State Central Committee race decided by party staffers with 'personal and financial interests' in the outcome

By W.J. Kennedy | May 3, 2018

An attorney representing Bob Winchester, who is challenging the Illinois Republican Party (IRP) over alleged improper voting procedures in the race for State Central Committeeman in the 15th congressional district, said that the announced race results were determined by a “group of unelected and merely appointed staff members” who have “personal and financial interests” in the re-election of current state GOP Chairman Tim Schneider.

Prairie State Wire

W.J. Kennedy News