West Central Reporter

From Prairie State Wire

Illinois officials report 1,072 coronavirus deaths, with 25,733 confirmed cases

By Hoang Tran | 4 years ago

Confirmed coronavirus cases in Illinois numbered 25,733 as of April 17, with the total number of deaths linked to the virus reaching 1,072, according to data from the state Department of Public Health (IDPH).Chicago (6,648 cases) and Cook County (4,767 cases) posted the highest numbers statewide.

Carlinville’s Federal Grant Application was for Regional Water “Commission”

By Hoang Tran | Jan 19, 2018

The City of Carlinville, Illinois, filed a grant application for federal funding of a project from the Illinois Department of Agriculture back in 2016.

Ives heads to Jacksonville for meet and greet

By Hoang Tran | Dec 18, 2017

Illinois gubernatorial candidate Rep. Jeanne Ives' (R-Wheaton) campaign train does not stop as she heads to Jacksonville on Tuesday for a meet and greet.

Letting pension system fail described as tough love for Illinois

By Hoang Tran | Jul 21, 2017

Mike “Mish” Shedlock, who runs the blog “MishTalk.com,” believes imposing more taxes on Illinoisans with the biggest pensions can solve the pension crisis.

Rauner changes communication staff as part of rebranding

By Hoang Tran | Jul 17, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner recently added several key communication personnel to his team, further shaking up his staff following a major political defeat when the Illinois General Assembly overrode his vetoes on a budget and spending plan.

Policy institute exec joins Rauner in crusade to save taxpayers

By Hoang Tran | Jul 10, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner is bringing in a "champion" to fight for Illinoisans.

Senate rushes votes on budget bills

By Hoang Tran | Jul 10, 2017

On Independence Day, the Senate approved three bills that would increase taxes and provide $36 billion in spending for Illinois.

Veto override gives Illinois first budget in two years

By Hoang Tran | Jul 6, 2017

Illinois has its first budget in more than two years after the House voted on Thursday to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s vetoes of three contentious bills that made it through both chambers in a special extended session.

Statehouse on lockdown after mysterious white powder thrown at governor's office

By Hoang Tran | Jul 6, 2017

The Statehouse was on security lockdown early on Thursday after a substance was allegedly thrown at Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office, as well as the lieutenant governor's office and the House gallery.

Income tax hike passes Illinois House

By Hoang Tran | Jul 2, 2017

The Illinois House passed a contentious and divisive tax revenue bill on Sunday vigorous debate and little Republican support.

Brady nominated to replace Radogno as Senate GOP Leader

By Hoang Tran | Jun 30, 2017

Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) was selected unanimously today by his Republican colleagues to serve as new Illinois Senate Republican Leader.

Radogno sends shockwave with sudden resignation from Senate

By Hoang Tran | Jun 29, 2017

In a surprise announcement, Illinois Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) resigned her position and the Senate effective Saturday.

McSweeney, ex-school board leader at odds on property taxes

By Hoang Tran | Jun 25, 2017

Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) debated the good and bad of a property tax freeze with Tom Neely, former president of the Morton Illinois School Board USD 709, in the Illinois House on Friday.

Rauner urges political unity to save the future of Illinois

By Hoang Tran | Jun 20, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner urged Democratic and Republican lawmakers on Tuesday to unite and pass a balanced budget that will fund Illinois and get it back on its feet.

Rauner, GOP bemoan budget breakdown, blame bickering Democrats

By Hoang Tran | Jun 9, 2017

“Today we’ve seen a complete dereliction of duty by the majority in the General Assembly,” Gov. Bruce Rauner said after the 100th session of the General Assembly closed. “Once again, a tragic failure to serve the people of Illinois. A tragic failure to pass a balanced budget along with critical structural changes to protect taxpayers and grow more jobs.”

Hiking minimum wage would kill businesses, cut jobs, Reis maintains

By Hoang Tran | May 30, 2017

A bill to raise the statewide minimum wage to $15 would actually more than double the current minimum wage, Rep. David Reis (R-Willow Hill) asserted on Tuesday during House debate on SB81.

Offering grants to 'B' students impossible in a failing state, Hammond, Davidsmeyer say

By Hoang Tran | May 30, 2017

A bill to provide College Affordability Grants to college students who maintain a "B" average passed the House on Monday despite criticism from Republicans such as Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) and C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville).

GOP rep chides chamber: Pick a revenue number and get budget going

By Hoang Tran | May 19, 2017

Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) chastised the House for its lack of progress on a state budget estimate, calling it a failure of the chamber.

State senators tout 'Taxpayer Bargain' budget plan

By Hoang Tran | Apr 19, 2017

State Sens. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) and Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) have unveiled a Taxpayer Bargain budget plan they say calls for spending reductions, protections for elementary and secondary education, pension reform, restructuring and legislative accountability.

Durkin demands Democratic help ending budget crisis

By Hoang Tran | Apr 10, 2017

Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) is urging Democrats in Springfield to work with his party to formulate reforms to get Illinois back on track.