In November 2025, President Trump signed legislation to fund and reopen the federal government, ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. While many celebrated, Illinois hemp farmers were stunned. Buried in the legislation was a provision that fundamentally altered the federal definition of hemp, potentially making many hemp farming activities and products illegal once […]
marijuana
Posted inNews
Black behind bars
In 2013, one out of every 266 people in Illinois was in prison. For African-American residents, it was one in every 68 people. That’s just one of the shocking facts illustrating the serious racial disparity in Illinois’ criminal justice system. About 60 percent of the state’s prison population is black, despite African-American people making up […]
Posted inNews
Medical marijuana rules spark concerns
Speaking from his wheelchair, Dennis Garland of Chatham addresses regulators in a May 21 public hearing on medical marijuana, urging the state to roll the program out immediately. PHOTO BY PATRICK YEAGLE Illinoisans want their medical marijuana sooner, cheaper and with fewer restrictions. At a May 21 public hearing in Springfield, several speakers asked the […]
Posted inNews
Illinois may decriminalize small amounts of marijuana
Rep. Michael Zalewski sponsors one of three bills that would lower penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Photo BY PATRICK YEAGLE Illinois could follow the example of several other states in decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana, thanks to legislation under consideration in the Illinois General Assembly. The three bills prescribe tickets – effectively […]
Posted inNews
Sniffing out trouble
Springfield patrol officer Dave Pletsch prepares for a training search with his dog, Utah, in a building on the Illinois State Fair Grounds. PHOTO BY PATRICK YEAGLE Inside a livestock building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, a man is hiding stashes of marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine in state-owned work vehicles parked inside for the […]
Posted inNews
Firearms, medical pot and gay marriage, oh my!
When Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield early next year, they’ll face three issues more divisive than even the ongoing pension battle. But like the pension issue, these battles have been brewing for years, and conditions now seem ripe for big changes. The issues are concealed carry of firearms, legalization of medical marijuana and legalization of […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s up in El Capitol?
For most people who don’t follow state politics, May is just another month. But inside the Illinois Statehouse, this month is a whirlwind of activity in which legislators try to hammer out deals and ram legislation through so they can go on summer vacation. (There’s also the minor fact that any bills passed after May […]
