Kankakee Times

From Prairie State Wire

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

By Hoang Tran | 5 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.

Dugan's return means another rubber stamp for Madigan, state GOP says

By Hoang Tran | Nov 28, 2017

The Illinois Republican Party has voiced fierce opposition over the potential return to the Legislature of Lisa Dugan, who was a state representative in the 79th District from 2003 to 2013.

Charlton Foundation grant prompts career center change at Kankakee Community College

By Hoang Tran | Oct 10, 2017

A $250,000 gift from the Charlton Family Charitable Foundation has prompted Kankakee Community College (KCC) to rename its career center, according to the school's website.

Wheeler saw school funding bill as rare chance to unite House

By Hoang Tran | Sep 3, 2017

The historic education funding reform enacted in Illinois last week is a compromise that will help students from all income levels, Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego) said as the House debated Senate Bill 1947 on Aug. 28.

Wheeler decries lack of progress on public school funding

By Hoang Tran | Aug 18, 2017

Wednesday was bittersweet for Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego): He was in the House fighting for state school funding while his daughter began first grade.

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 shake-up follows in wake of perceived political defeat

By Hoang Tran | Jul 21, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office has lost or terminated 21 staffers in the wake of the passage of a contentious budget plan and an unpopular tax hike on July 6, which many saw as a major political defeat for Rauner and many GOP lawmakers.

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.

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 earlier today after a substance was allegedly thrown at Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office, as well as the Lt. governor's office and the House gallery. Rauner was not in the building at the time of the threat.

Senate rushes votes on budget bills

By Hoang Tran | Jul 4, 2017

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

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.

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.”

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.

House moves to honor three killed in 'terribly wrong' 1979 incident

By Hoang Tran | May 14, 2017

Two police officers and a civilian who were killed in a highway shootout nearly four decades ago would have the overpass where the incident took place renamed in their honor under a House Joint Resolution introduced on Tuesday.

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.