Prairie State Wire

Democrats trade barbs during gubernatorial debate

By Robert Hadley | Mar 16, 2018

Just days before the Tuesday primary that will decide who goes on the ballot for governor, three Democratic candidates sparred during an open forum that featured some tense exchanges.

Illinois comes in last in WalletHub tax ranking

By Robert Hadley | Mar 16, 2018

In the wake of the 2017 Illinois budget crisis that left a 32 percent income tax hike in place over Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto, a report has ranked Illinois last in terms of bang for its buck.

Barickman questions bill that would require schools to include curriculum on LGBTQ population

By Angela Underwood | Mar 16, 2018

Legislation that would require public elementary and high schools to include a unit of instruction on the LGBTQ population in their curriculum had Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) asking questions at a recent Education Committee subject hearing.

National Review endorses Ives for governor

By Glenn Minnis | Mar 16, 2018

The National Review has joined the growing list of publications endorsing the candidacy of Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) in her Republican primary run against Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Wirepoints: Poor Illinois school districts get smallest portion of state pension subsidies

By LGIS Newsfeed | Mar 16, 2018

Earlville CUSD 9 in LaSalle County receives just $230 per student from the state to fund pensions for teachers and administrators, the lowest of all other districts, according to a Wirepoints analysis of Teacher Retirement System data.

Bears building team to bring out Trubisky's best

By Glenn Minnis | Mar 15, 2018

The Chicago Bears are showing their long-term commitment to quarterback Mitch Trubisky by supplying him with the weapons the team believes he needs to restore the franchise’s honor in the NFC.

McCann supporting Petty as right man for the job

By Glenn Minnis | Mar 15, 2018

Sen. Sam McCann (R-Plainview) is throwing his support behind Pittsfield businessman Jonas Petty in his Republican primary bid to unseat incumbent Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville) in the 100th House District.

Chicago's Morning Answer: Eric Kohn talks about the progressive tax plan in Springfield

By LGIS News Service | Mar 15, 2018

Chicago's Morning Answer: Eric Kohn talks about the progressive tax plan in Springfield

Wirepoints: Analysis reveals which Illinois school districts benefit most from state pension subsidies

By LGIS Newsfeed | Mar 15, 2018

Rondout SD 72 in Lake County receives $1,579 per student from the state to fund pensions for teachers and administrators, leading all other districts, according to a Wirepoints analysis of Teacher Retirement System data.

Illinois State Rifle Association urging legislators to vote no on four gun-related bills

By Kasey Schefflin- Emrich | Mar 14, 2018

The Illinois State Rifle Association is urging citizens to call their legislators and encourage them to vote against an amended bill that would remove an existing state preemption to allow local firearm bans.

Office of Inspector General has a new leader

By Glenn Minnis | Mar 14, 2018

Gov. Bruce Rauner has tapped Susan Haling as executive inspector general for the agencies of the Illinois governor.

State's vendor drops to just below $8.7 billion

By Glenn Minnis | Mar 14, 2018

The state’s unpaid vendor debt declined during the week ending March 14, breaking a modest streak where the state’s debt load had inched upward in each of the last several weeks. According to the Illinois comptroller's homepage, debt at the end the week was $8,699,941,170.26, down from last week’s $9,386,070,931.79.

Pritzker ties to Blagojevich go back to 1998, Illinois GOP says

By Robert Hadley | Mar 14, 2018

In 1998, then Gov. Rod Blagojevich compared Hyatt Hotel heir J.B Pritzker, who is now vying to be governor, to the Great Emancipator, Abraham Lincoln, a recent Illinois Republican Party release said.

'Think biblically' when it comes to legalization of marijuana, Illinois Family Action director says

By Marian Johns | Mar 14, 2018

As Illinois lawmakers consider legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, an lllinois Family Action (IFA) leader is encouraging Illinoisans to "think biblically" about the controversial issue.

Rauner's sanctuary law born in DuPage County

By W.J. Kennedy | Mar 14, 2018

The sanctuary law signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner in August, and now dogging him in his primary fight against State Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton), had its beginnings in DuPage County.

Chicago's Morning Answer: Jeanne Ives talks about run against Governor Rauner in the Republican primary

By LGIS News Service | Mar 14, 2018

Chicago's Morning Answer: Jeanne Ives talks about run against Governor Rauner in the Republican primary

Veteran Chicago journalist David Greising to lead the Better Government Association

By LGIS News Service | Mar 14, 2018

The Better Government Association today announced the appointment of a new chief executive officer, David Greising, who will succeed long-time BGA CEO Andy Shaw in leading one of Illinois’ premier nonpartisan, civic watchdog organizations.

Going after Drury is part of the Madigan way, Dodge says

By Glenn Minnis | Mar 14, 2018

Jim Dodge argues that House Speaker Mike Madigan’s treatment of Rep. Scott Drury (D-Highwood) after Drury refused to go along with everything Madigan wants also sends a message to voters.

This week in Illinois history: March 26-April 1

By Robert Hadley | Mar 14, 2018

A presidential critic was born, a school band begins journey to nationwide fame, and a tragic Civil War riot broke out, all this week in Illinois' history.

From Rockford Sun

Ives garners Rockford Register Star endorsement

By Glenn Minnis | 6 years ago

Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) has picked up the endorsement of the Rockford Register Star editorial board in her Republican primary run against Gov. Bruce Rauner.