Pritzker inaugurated as Illinois governor, cementing Democrats’ control of state government
By Mike Riopell, Chicago Tribune
January 14, 2019
Democrat J.B. Pritzker became Illinois' 43rd governor Monday, acknowledging the challenges the state faces and saying "our abdication of responsibility must end."
Lawmakers likely to let Pritzker give agency heads 15 pay raises, replace Illinois Tollway board members
By Mike Riopell, Chicago Tribune
January 7, 2019
Filed under Editors Picks, State
"Many critical positions -- including those that protect our safety and security -- no longer have competitive salaries, and we are moving to bring them in line with their peers around the country to attract talent," Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said in a statement.
Dick Durbin says he’s running for Senate re-election in 2020, unofficially
By Niels Lesniewski, CQ-Roll Call
January 5, 2019
Filed under State
"I'm raising money and trying to lose a few pounds," Durbin said in the interview. "And that's a good indicator that I'm looking forward to 2020."
Postal Service to suspend delivery Wednesday as part of National Day of Mourning for Bush
December 4, 2018
Filed under State
The United States Postal Service will suspend service on Wednesday, Dec. 5 as part of the National Day of Mourning for former President George H.W. Bush.
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner concedes to Democrat J.B. Pritzker in Illinois governor race
By Mike Riopell, Stacy St. Clair and Jeff Coen, Chicago Tribune
November 6, 2018
Filed under State
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has conceded his re-election bid to billionaire Democrat J.B. Pritzker, the Hyatt hotel heir's victory likely putting his party in near total control of state government by limiting the governor to a single term.
Candidates for Illinois governor are split over marijuana legalization despite popular support
By Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune
October 25, 2018
Filed under State
In supporting marijuana legalization, Illinois gubernatorial challenger J.B. Pritzker could usher in a change that affects everything from criminal justice to public health to the economy if he's elected. In taking a decidedly more skeptical view, incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner may appeal to his base...
Flu killed more Americans last season than car crashes and drug overdoses. But Chicagoans can protect themselves
By Ese Olumhense, Chicago Tribune
October 4, 2018
Filed under State
Last flu season was the most deadly in years and Chicago public health advocates are urging residents to get vaccinated.
The midterm elections are coming — here’s a cheat sheet to get you through
By Ese Olumhense, Chicago Tribune
September 26, 2018
Filed under State
The 2018 midterm elections are fast approaching, and despite all the politicking and punditry, you likely have a few questions: What are the midterms? Who is running? How can I vote?
New SIU department focuses on ‘social determinants of health’
By Dean Olsen, The State Journal-Register, Springfield, Ill.
September 25, 2018
Filed under State
Informing medical students about the social and economic hardships that can influence the health of patients and intervening to alleviate those problems are primary goals of a new department at Springfield's Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
New legislation on texting while driving passes House, moves to governor’s desk
By Hannah Smith, Staff writer
June 1, 2018
Filed under State
A new bill moving to the governor’s desk will put stricter punishment on drivers found to be texting while driving.
Illinois approves Equal Rights Amendment, 36 years after deadline
By Rick Pearson and Bill Lukitsch
May 30, 2018
Filed under State
The Illinois House voted Wednesday night to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment more than 45 years after it was approved by Congress, putting it one state away from possible enshrinement in the U.S. Constitution amid potential legal questions.
Opinion: Another disappointing lack of transparency in Illinois government
By The State Journal-Register, Springfield, Ill. Editorial Board
May 21, 2018
Filed under State
It's a simple request, really. We all, to some level, depend on government services. Since residents provide the tax dollars they need to operate, we request government agencies be run in an efficient, transparent manner.
