Opinions
Chicago criminals out on probation/parole/pretrial release continue violence in 2024
One thing Chicagoans can’t help but notice when scrolling through news feeds: the number of violent crimes committed by defendants while they were out either on parole, probation or awaiting trial.
South Roxana Village Administrator responds to 'deceptive measures' by group calling for mayor to step down
The ongoing debate revolves around the distinction between free speech and harassment or intimidation. While one party's expression is often defended as a fundamental right, opposing viewpoints challenging their statements can sometimes be labeled as harassment. In my perspective, individuals should indeed have the freedom to express their preferences and support their chosen candidates. However, when these expressions escalate into making defamatory or libelous remarks, they undermine the very protections they seek to uphold.
Dorman: Slusser offers 'empty promises' and 'flashy slogans' in chairman campaign
Madison County needs a leader with unimpeachable integrity, a track record of ethical conduct, and a genuine commitment to collaboration. Unfortunately, Chris Slusser falls short on all these fronts.
Prenzler notifies public on 'informed consent' for newest Covid booster
The consensus of the Madison County Health Advisory Committee members is that citizens should exercise their right of "informed consent."
Group of South Roxana residents call for mayor to step down
It’s no secret that the Village of South Roxana has a history of trust issues between the citizens and Village administration. The lack of transparency, open and effective communication and defensive posturing when approached by citizens have eyes opening and focusing in on the current administration.
Let the government censor away through agents it controls, say Kwame Raoul and Cabal of A.G.s to U.S. Supreme Court
This shouldn’t be hard to understand: If you think government should have the power to censor what it says is false, then you don’t believe in the bedrock of a democratic republic: free speech.
Township supervisor gets $224K, but salary drops to $25K if voters pick someone else
An embattled Chicago-area township supervisor is being accused of discouraging competition ahead of her campaign by cutting the position’s pay if she loses. It may be illegal, but someone would need to sue.
5 Illinois metro areas await pandemic recovery, most add jobs in December
Seven of 13 Illinois metro areas added jobs from November to December 2023, led by the St. Louis area. Five metros still reported fewer jobs than prior to the pandemic.
States are rejecting progressive tax schemes, moving to flat tax structures
In 2020, Illinoisans rejected Gov. J.B. Pritzker and his legislative allies’ push for a progressive income tax scheme in Illinois. And with it, they rejected claims a progressive tax would “modernize” Illinois’ income tax.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker cheers ‘record-setting growth for adult-use cannabis sales’
Health and mental effects of cannabis use are described here by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. And the Wall Street Journal has a great new column on how badly the government is understating harm from cannabis.
How much dishonesty about illegal immigrants can Gov. Pritzker cram into a minute and a half?
Gov. JB Pritzker was asked last week for his response to press conferences where some lawmakers called for an end to Illinois’ status as a sanctuary or welcoming state and want more transparency on what’s being spent on migrants.
Here’s what’s wrong with Pritzker’s emergency power proclamation for immigration crisis
You needn’t look much beyond the four corners of Gov. JB Pritzker’s latest emergency disaster proclamation to see what’s wrong with Illinois’ response to illegal immigration. Pritzker issued his eighteenth such monthly proclamation on January 5.
Prenzler urges Granite City school board, superintendent to put $20 million bond on ballot
Two months ago, Granite City District 9 passed a “backdoor referendum” to issue $20 million of “working cash” bonds and on Nov. 22 put a public notice in the Belleville News-Democrat. I believe the “right thing” for District 9 to do is to put this $20 million bond issue on the ballot for the people to decide.
Madison County Chairman candidate Slusser: Prenzler ignoring roadway trash leading to landfill
Every day, I drive to work between Wood River and Edwardsville on Highway143, and as I pass 255, I begin to see all of the trash along the roadway. This continues on, all the way until Bender Hill Road, which leads back to the landfill. Sadly, our County Board Chairman has decided to place his own political interests ahead of actually solving this problem.
Illinois tax rates out-of-sync with those in neighboring states, most of the nation
There are many factors that motivate people to move out of Illinois, but taxes often rank highest on the list. For good reason.
Illinois’ new nuclear bill goes dark before it can spark
While technically ending Illinois’ nuclear power plant moratorium, a new law does not allow even one watt of nuclear energy to be generated for the public electrical grid.
Illinois is a moderate state: Its progressive leaders are out of touch
For its New Year’s resolution, Illinois should look in the mirror and acknowledge what it is.
Prenzler addresses Granite City School District taxpayers over $20 million in bonds
This letter is to the taxpayers of Granite City District 9, who probably didn't know that the district – on Nov. 22 – published a notice in the Belleville News-Democrat that the district intends to issue $20 million of “working cash” bonds.
As population woes continue, Illinois’ loss of congressional seats could accelerate
Illinois’ leaders can deny the state’s population problems all they want, but a collapse in the state’s number of congressional seats is proof enough of the state’s population woes.
Avoiding a conflict of interest: Nearly a third of Illinois lawmakers have rejected a taxpayer-funded pension
Illinois’ public pension crisis is coming to the fore after three years of being ignored during covid. Billions in federal aid to both the private and public sectors helped Illinois politicians paper over the state’s growing debts and worsening retiree security, but with pandemic aid finally drying up, they soon won’t be able to ignore the problems.