Without hesitation, David Barnett, a Trump supporter and developer from New Berlin, explained his view of the social and political dissension within the country. “It’s difficult to find the truth these days,” he said. “Everybody’s got an axe to grind.” This evaluation has propelled Barnett to write an oversized book for President Donald Trump. Titled […]
Alex Camp
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Central Illinois school district funding can increase
If school funding legislation passed by the General Assembly becomes law, central Illinois school districts could see a significant increase. However, Gov. Bruce Rauner may be reluctant to approve the measure because of a proposed $300 million increase that would go to Chicago Public Schools (CPS). On May 31, the General Assembly passed a bill […]
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Springfield’s new marijuana store
A new local dispensary aims to service medical cannabis to patients suffering from various physical ailments. Maribis of Springfield (MOS), located at 2272 North Grand Ave. in Grandview, is one of two medical marijuana dispensaries in Sangamon County. The other, HCI Alternatives, is located in downtown Springfield. MOS is available to patients with medical cannabis […]
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Springfield’s Boys of Summer
With championship aspirations, the Springfield Sliders begin their 2017 season on the road against the Lafayette Aviators on May 30. The Sliders are a collegiate summer league baseball team from the Prospect League, an organization of 10 teams showcasing college players from all over the country. The Sliders, who play their home games at Lanphier […]
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Developer proposes downtown Springfield casino
A Springfield-based developer wants to reconfigure the downtown area by developing a casino. Chris Stone, owner of EMS Midwest, Inc., recently proposed plans to members of the city council and Mayor James Langfelder to have a casino near the Old State Capitol. EMS Midwest, Inc., is a business governmental consulting agency with commercial properties in […]
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Saving seniors from budget cuts
A new bill pledges to save low-income seniors from budget cuts proposed by Gov. Bruce Rauner.In a press conference at the State Capitol on May 10, Sen. Daniel Biss, D-Skokie, Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, and health-care advocates introduced the measure, imploring lawmakers to stop Rauner’s proposal. The bill requires […]
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UIS strike ends
The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) and United Faculty union reached a tentative agreement on May 7, ending a five-day strike. A joint statement released by UIS Chancellor Susan Koch and United Faculty President Lynn Fisher expressed relief that both sides came to a resolution. “After a productive weekend of good faith negotiations, we […]
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“Past Due” hears stories of impasse pain
Concerned citizens gathered at a public forum in Springfield April 27 to share their stories of the budget impasse and how it’s affected them. “Over the last 22 months, we have had devastating impact to the people we serve and to the community because of the budget impasse,” said Theresa Collins, associate executive director of […]
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UIS takes back the night
The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) rallied against sexual violence at the 10th annual Take Back the Night event, held on April 28. Protesters gathered at the colonnade at 8:30 p.m. to march around campus, followed by a rally at the Lincoln Residence Great Hall. The event, organized by the UIS Women’s Center and the […]
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Pritzker takes strong stand on abortion rights
Illinois gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat from Chicago, pulled no punches when asked about Gov. Bruce Rauner’s changed stance on abortion rights. “Either Rauner lied when he was running for governor and said he was pro-choice but isn’t, or changed his mind because his right-wing buddies said, ‘If you don’t, we’ll run somebody against […]
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Manar: School funding system “completely rotten”
Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, is one of the state’s foremost experts on school funding reform. “We have a system that is completely rotten because the effect of the law makes us the least equitable system of public school finance in the country,” Manar said in an interview. A 2015 report by Education Trust found […]
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Rauner targets hate crime
In a press conference April 10 Gov. Bruce Rauner unveiled a program designed to train police officers on identifying, investigating and prosecuting hate crimes. “As we are all too aware, hate crimes are on the rise In America and around the world,” Rauner said. “In Illinois, we have to do everything we can to work […]
