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Dem Blames Madigan For Rauner’s Win
A Democrat running for Illinois governor blames House Speaker Michael Madigan for creating the environment that allowed Gov. Bruce Rauner to win in 2014. My story for Illinois News Network. Continue reading
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IRS phone scams spike in Illinois
The Better Business Bureau is warning of a recent spike in phone scam attempts across Illinois. Steve Bernas, president and CEO of Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois, says this is a long-running operation in which people pose as IRS agents and demand immediate payment. I write for Illinois News Network… Continue reading
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Illinois could become latest state to legalize switchblade knives
A bill now on Gov. Bruce Rauner’s desk would eliminate a decades-old ban that state Sen. Tim Bivins, R-Dixon, says never made much sense to begin with. I write for Illinois News Network. Continue reading
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Jason Riley: False Black Power?
I recently had the chance to talk to Jason Riley about his new book, “False Black Power?”. Jason is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a columnist for the Wall Street Journal, and a commentator for Fox News. In “False Black Power?”, he takes an honest look at why increased black political power has not paid… Continue reading
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Illinois Tax Hike Falls Short of Revenue Expectations
Five years ago last month, another tax hike was hitting pocketbooks around the state of Illinois. In June 2012, a dollar-per-pack cigarette tax increase raised the state levy from 98 cents to $1.98. The same law also increased taxes on other products such as loose tobacco and supplies. Supporters estimated the state would see an… Continue reading
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Winnebago County official looking to restore government reputation
Winnebago County Board Chairman Frank Haney has a clear mission statement. “Our goal every day is to work to become the most accountable, collaborative, and transparent unit of government in the state of Illinois,” Haney said. I write for Illinois News Network. Continue reading
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First Company Applies For Illinois Fracking Permit
Illinois is one step closer to having a fracking operation in the state, four years after a law was signed to pave the way for it to happen. I wrote about it for Illinois News Network. Continue reading
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Brett Velicovich: Drone Warrior
I had the chance to talk this week with Brett Velicovich about his new book, “Drone Warrior: An Elite Soldier’s Inside Account of the Hunt for America’s Most Dangerous Enemies“. Continue reading
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Cook County Braces For Beverage Tax
A penny-per-ounce tax on a wide variety of drinks is set to take effect in Cook County on Saturday. Retailers, looking at a similar failing measure in Philly, are fearful of consequences. I write about it for Illinois News Network. Continue reading
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NIU President Severance Package Eyed By Lawmakers
A severance package handed out to the exiting president of Northern Illinois University is drawing attention from state lawmakers. Doug Baker is leaving the school following a report by the state’s Inspector General that alleged improper spending and hiring. Under an agreement approved by the trustees, Baker will receive around $600,000 plus benefits when he… Continue reading
Scot Bertram 