Kankakee Times

Legislation proposes natural gas connection for underprivileged Pembroke residents

By W.J. Kennedy | Apr 21, 2020

Legislation in the General Assembly would give residents of Pembroke Township, and other economically distressed Illinois communities, access to affordable, clean-burning natural gas.

From Prairie State Wire

Senate GOP Leader Bill Brady said to have voiced private support for abortion funding, gun control legislation

By W.J. Kennedy | 4 years ago

Former high-level aides to Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has revealed that Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) told the then governor he was right for signing HB 40 in September 2017, the law requiring Medicaid funding of abortions. At a separate meeting, Brady also recommended that the governor sign gun control bills should they reach his desk.

From Prairie State Wire

Pritzker’s claims of paying down pension debt “simply dishonest,” fiscal watchdog says

By W.J. Kennedy | 5 years ago

The recently approved state budget hardly makes Illinois the beacon of fiscal prudence that Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker and legislative leaders claim it is, budgetary analysts at Wirepoints say.

From Prairie State Wire

Madigan 'bullying' income tax increase through legislative process

By W.J. Kennedy | 5 years ago

House Speaker Michael Madigan used his absolute power over the legislative process to move legislation to the floor on Friday that exchanges Illinois’ constitutionally mandated flat income tax with a progressive tax.

Andrade open to amending eavesdropping bill to protect Manteno teen, others from 'ridiculous' application of the law

By W.J. Kennedy | Jul 18, 2018

In April, the state’s attorney in Kankakee County slapped 13-year-old Paul Boron with a felony charge for secretly recording a portion of a conversation he had with the Manteno Middle School principal and assistant principal.

Officials silent on Manteno middle schooler charged with felony for recording principal

By W.J. Kennedy | Jun 22, 2018

A 13-year-old student at Manteno Middle School faces a possible felony conviction for violating a state eavesdropping law that critics call both extreme and indiscriminately applied, while officials would rather not talk about it.