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

By Hoang Tran | 4 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.

Open House: Lakeview penthouse condo at 621 W. Barry Ave., listed at $649K

By Hoang Tran | Oct 5, 2018

Americorp LTD is hosting an open house for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom condo located at 621 W Barry Ave. Apt 501 in the Chicago on Sunday, Oct. 7 from 2-3:30 p.m.

Chicago's Morning Answer - January 30, 2018 - John Kass

By Hoang Tran | Jan 30, 2018

Chicago's Morning Answer - January 30, 2018 - John Kass

SHAW: POLICE SHOOTINGS IN SUBURBAN CHICAGO SHOW 'MASSIVE FAILURE OF GOVERNMENT'

By Hoang Tran | Jan 19, 2018

After watching and reporting on local, state and national government and politics for nearly half a century, it takes a lot to shock or surprise me.

Illinois warned that Amazon headquarters might not be such a gift

By Hoang Tran | Oct 10, 2017

Illinois might be putting problems into its shopping basket by courting Amazon's second headquarters, according to an investigative reporter for the Better Government Association.

School funding formula called doomed to fail; problem is in classroom, not cash, professor says

By Hoang Tran | Sep 11, 2017

Illinois passed historic education funding reform in late August, but the foundation upon which it is built is faulty and doomed to collapse, Hoover Institute fellow and Stanford University Prof. Eric Hanushek said on the “Illinois Rising” radio program recently.

Chicago Public Schools financial crisis described as lesson not learned

By Hoang Tran | Aug 27, 2017

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) should have already learned the lessons of poor financial management, Ted Dabrowski, vice president of policy at the Illinois Policy Institute, contended on a recent episode of "Illnois Rising."

Fiscal examination shows Illinois in need of intensive care

By Hoang Tran | Aug 11, 2017

Illinois is financially sick, and depending on whom you ask, it's either on its deathbed or next to it.

State legislators deemed indifferent to business woes

By Hoang Tran | Aug 7, 2017

Members of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association are dumbfounded by the lack of business reform progress by the General Assembly, the group's president and CEO Greg Baise said in a radio interview with "Illinois Rising" recently.

Rauner calls education funding session: 'I want all schools opening on time'

By Hoang Tran | Jul 25, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner has called another special session, this time in the hopes of providing funding to public schools throughout the state in time for fall classes.

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.

Letting pension system fail described as tough love for Illinois

By Hoang Tran | Jul 16, 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.

Property tax freeze not the route to reform in Illinois, policy pro argues

By Hoang Tran | Jul 16, 2017

Freezing property taxes is nothing close to a panacea for what is plaguing Illinois, according to Patrick Hughes, co-founder of the Illinois Opportunity Project.

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.