Trump again offers sympathy for Blagojevich, whispers of pardon resume

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s campaign for a pardon got fresh attention Sunday from President Donald Trump.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Rep. Bryant introduces house resolution denouncing ‘disgusting’ Satanic statue at Capitol

State Rep. Terri Bryant has introduced a resolution in the Illinois House condemning the decision by the Illinois Secretary of State to allow The Satanic Temple-Chicago to place a statue in the Statehouse rotunda along with displays that celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Cannabis industry expert: 2018 big, 2019 could bigger for marijuana

s big as 2018 has been for marijuana, one industry expert said 2019 is likely to be even bigger.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Lame duck Chicago mayor comes out swinging against Illinois pension benefits

The state’s pension system is unsustainable and lawmakers in Springfield need to amend the state’s constitution to cut out a clause that protects pensions, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Wednesday.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

75-year-old man gets prison time for defrauding 7 Southern Illinois banks of more than $500K

An elderly Kinmundy man has been sentenced to serve more than six years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to defrauding seven Southern Illinois banks out of more than $500,000. 

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Underfunded state government pensions liabilities increase to $133.5 billion

The tab for the state’s unfunded pension liabilities increased by $4.4 billion in the past year and is expected to continue growing through 2028, according to a new report from the bipartisan Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Illinois farmers praise deal on federal farm bill

Illinois farmers are praising a deal on the federal farm bill, which moved out of committee and passed the Senate on Tuesday.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Got a gripe about the state’s transportation system? IDOT wants to hear it

If you have a gripe about the state’s transportation system, now is the time to express it outside of the confines of your stuck-in-traffic car.

Here’s a link to the story at Chicago Tribune.

Fitch reminds Illinois Democrats about party’s record of ‘poor fiscal decisions’

A credit-rating agency used a post-election report to remind Illinois Democrats poised to retake control of state government about the party’s track record of “poor fiscal decisions.”

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Democrats take aim at state’s business climate


Democrats in the General Assembly, flush with supermajorities in both chambers and a friend in the governor’s mansion, will take a different approach to foster investment and job growth.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

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