Latest News from SE Illinois News

Garden Prairie teen honored for work in veterinary science

By Karen Kidd | Nov 6, 2017

A Boone County 4-H member Austin Brockmann recently received a top award for his work in veterinary science, according to a press release.

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House hopeful cheers Phelps' resignation, hopes Madigan is next

By Karen Kidd | Sep 4, 2017

Former Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg) isn't House Speaker Michael Madigan, but his resignation might make it a little easier to see Madigan do the same, according to Massac County State’s Attorney Patrick Windhorst.

Budget described as no solution to Illinois insolvency

By Karen Kidd | Jul 21, 2017

While state lawmakers ended a two-year budget impasse, the measures adopted by the Illinois Legislature will not fix the state's fiscal mess, an analyst who co-wrote a paper that places the state 49th in long-run solvency told the Sangamon Sun.

Economist says something's got to give: pensions or public schools

By Karen Kidd | Jul 2, 2017

Public sector employees and retirees could accept less than their constitutionally protected pensions if they understand it's them or public education, an economist said during an appearance on a recent Chicago-based radio show.

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'Panicked' Democrats fear House downfall after approving school funding bill, radio host says

By Karen Kidd | Jun 23, 2017

Democratic state lawmakers showed their true colors in May when they demanded an investigation into an article about apparently doomed school funding reform legislation, a radio show co-host said recently.

Taxpayers say 'reform,' but lawmakers hear 'more taxes,' policy pro says

By Karen Kidd | Jun 17, 2017

Illinois lawmakers betray their ignorance of the needs and opinions of taxpayers when they pass huge tax increases as a way out of the ongoing budget impasse, a policy expert said on a radio program recently.

'Absurd' math used to calculate 'Comeback Agenda,' financial pro says

By Karen Kidd | May 18, 2017

There won't be any coming back for high-wage earners who will exit Illinois in a hurry if the so-called "Illinois Comeback Agenda" passes, a financial services professional said.

Medicaid, education must be key budget planks, former senator says

By Karen Kidd | Apr 4, 2017

Lawmakers in Springfield hammering out the so-called Grand Bargain need to restore the faith of business in Illinois, a former state senator turned technology and manufacturing advocate said during a recent Chicago-based radio talk show appearance.

Illinois taxpayers must demand that legislators reform pension system, analyst says

By Karen Kidd | Nov 7, 2016

Illinois taxpayers need to send a clear message to the General Assembly to work with the governor and tackle the state's trillions of dollars in unfunded pension liabilities, the president of a government advisory group said during a recent radio interview.

If Illinois Dems win big, they risk owning way more than just victory

By Karen Kidd | Nov 7, 2016

While online campaigning and phone polling are changing the way elections happen, Democrats in Springfield may find themselves in an unfamiliar position if they should win a super-majority next week, a Chicago-area political reporter said during a radio interview.

Illinois' fiscal, systemic descent noted in lead up to election

By Karen Kidd | Oct 23, 2016

With the general election nearing, editorials on the poor state of Illinois government help bring into better focus what is at stake when voters go to the polls.

Rauner calls for political reform, referendums on fair maps, term limits

By Karen Kidd | Sep 6, 2016

Since the state Supreme Court ruled voter referendums can't be used to place measures on the ballot, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has called for state lawmakers to take action to restore redistricting to the November ballot and to also put term limits up for a vote.

Gov. Rauner calls on Illinois voters to make a fundamental choice this fall

By Karen Kidd | Aug 22, 2016

Referring to the Democrat-controlled General Assembly as a machine, Gov. Bruce Rauner told reporters at a new high school's ribbon-cutting that voters this election cycle have a fundamental choice between what they have now and would they could have later.

Education must be the No. 1 priority, state Senate District 59 Republican challenger says

By Karen Kidd | Aug 16, 2016

The outflow of citizens and businesses fleeing Illinois' budget and economic crisis must be staunched if the state can ever hope to recover, the Republican challenger for the Senate District 59 seat said during the governor's appearance in Vienna earlier this summer.