Opinions
What happens when children commit crimes?
Juvenile violence is an ongoing concern in our community. All too often, my office prosecutes serious violent acts committed by juveniles including car thefts, shootings, and murders. Due to legally required confidentiality when minors are involved, and the uncertainty of terms of confinement in the juvenile system (these issues are explained below), some in the community may fear that violent juveniles are not being dealt with appropriately.
How Illinois public school measures fail to add up
Contradictory metrics statewide point to poor accountability and grade promotion standards in Illinois. Low-income parents seeking alternatives are hamstrung as lawmakers weigh ending Illinois’ only school choice program.
There is no longer cash bail in Illinois. What happens now?
After litigation delaying its implementation, the full provisions of Illinois’ SAFE-T Act went into effect on Sept. 18. Here’s what to expect.
Prenzler: Temporary employee labor bill threatens economic development
HB 2862 threatens to undo decades of economic development in Madison County by amending the Day and Temporary Labor Services Act.
Migrant crisis is apocalypse now - and worsening - but Illinois leadership ignores the only solution. Why?
For Chicago and Illinois, suicide is apparently preferable to the only real solution available – ending sanctuary status and demanding that the border be enforced.
Illinois public schools funding up almost $2B since school choice program began
Public education has received about $1.98 billion in additional funding since the 2018-19 school year when the Invest in Kids scholarship tax-credit program awarded its first scholarships to low-income students to attend the schools of their choice.
Southern Illinois taxpayers spend $134.4M since 2002 to keep airport open
An underused airport near Belleville, Illinois, has required local taxpayers to chip in $134.4 million since 2002 to keep it operating.
Chicago criminals have green light to rob, loot, burgle as odds of punishments collapse to near zero
The decision to commit a crime in Chicago has never been easier. Criminals are almost guaranteed to profit because the chances of getting caught and punished have collapsed to near-zero.
Illinois government unions celebrate Labor Day with 36,000 fewer members
Labor Day this year leaves Illinois government unions fewer members to celebrate with. It appears to be the unions’ own fault. Over 36,000 workers have distanced themselves since 2017.
As request for federal bailout pends, does anybody have a clue how much migrants arriving in Chicago are costing taxpayers?
Layer after layer is piling up of incoherent numbers about the cost to taxpayers of migrants arriving in Chicago. It’s no surprise that the city and the state have now asked for a federal bailout from migrant costs, but how much is needed?
An important lesson from Chicago on confronting the enemies of free speech
The modern left’s assault on free speech is perhaps the most terrifying element of the madness we have succumbed to for the simple reason that democracy is meaningless without it. The assault has been largely successful. Voices that should be heard are muzzled and, more insidiously, countless other voices are frightened into silence.
Midwest states expand school choice while Illinois fights to save scholarships for low-income students
Five Midwest states have enacted or expanded school choice programs since the Invest in Kids Act was enacted in 2017. Now Illinois’ scholarships are set to expire while other programs thrive.
Mapes corruption conviction again shows need for 4 Illinois ethics reforms
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s former chief of staff and confidant was found guilty of perjury. His conviction is a reminder Springfield has a long way to go on ethics reform.
Illinois teachers unions have threatened to strike 188 times since 2010
Illinois public school students are at a severe disadvantage. Educational unions here can strike, keeping kids out of school, but that’s not the case in other big cities or neighboring states.
Prenzler stresses 'common sense and informed consent' regarding new covid variant
If you are reading the news, you are seeing information regarding the new covid EG.5 variant (Eris) and that another booster will come out this fall. Earlier this month, the Madison County Health Advisory Committee met and discussed the situation.
'Record high' number of jobs in Illinois no cause to celebrate
“Illinois Total Nonfarm Payroll Jobs Reach Record High, Unemployment Rate Stable in July,” said the Thursday headline from the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The nonfarm payroll jobs number is the most widely used measure on how many people are working.
Most Illinois metro areas shed jobs in June, await pandemic recovery
Despite statewide job gains in June, eight of Illinois’ metro areas lost jobs for the month. Most areas still haven’t recovered to pre-pandemic job levels.
Pritzker doles out 19% raises and $1,200 stipend in largest AFSCME contract ever
Illinois’ largest public employee union, AFSCME Council 31, finalized their second contract with Gov. J.B. Pritzker July 25. New pay raises will cost taxpayers $625 million.
Prenzler: School district's $2.4 million tax increase to appear on March ballot
Last week, petitions with more than 1,100 signatures were submitted to the EA-WR district office, in response to its July 12 “backdoor referendum” that gave citizens 30 days to gather 832 signatures to put a $2.4 million bond issue on the March 19, 2024 ballot.
Illinois 'anti-doxing' bill becomes law - the latest attack on free speech
Gov. JB Pritzker recently signed the Illinois Civil Liability for Doxing Act. But do not blame him or his party alone for this misguided, unconstitutional legislation. Astonishingly, it passed unanimously in both the Illinois House and Senate.