Chambana Sun

McSweeney resolution urges U of I to sever ties with teacher who was a 1970s radical

By Karen Kidd | Mar 27, 2018

If Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) has his way, former radical and terrorist, longtime fugitive and convicted murderer James William Kilgore will never again teach at the University of Illinois.

From Prairie State Wire

Better Government Association says Obama didn't say fathers in the home is a solution to gun violence -- but he did

By Karen Kidd | 6 years ago

Sometimes the fact-checker needs a good fact-checking.

Vermilion County Emergency Management Agency official hopeful on FirstNet

By Karen Kidd | Jan 23, 2018

Illinois' decision to join a nationwide federal enhanced wireless broadband network is "admirable and ambitious" but some unknowns need to be worked out, a Vermilion County Emergency Management official said during a recent interview.

U of I, Israeli university sign joint research agreement during Rauner's Mideast trip

By Karen Kidd | Nov 16, 2017

A memorandum of understanding to collaborate on education and research was signed by officials from the University of Illinois and representatives of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, during Gov. Bruce Rauner's recent trip to the Middle Eastern nation, a release from the governor's office said.

Budget described as no solution to Illinois insolvency

By Karen Kidd | Jul 21, 2017

While state lawmakers ended a two-year budget impasse, the measures adopted by the Illinois Legislature will not fix the state's fiscal mess, an analyst who co-wrote a paper that places the state 49th in long-run solvency told the Sangamon Sun.

Public universities take from students to pay retirees, political scientist says

By Karen Kidd | Jul 11, 2017

With tuition rising and going more often to support the mounting debt crisis in Illinois’ public colleges and universities, prospective students are finding the institutions less attractive as stepping stones, a political scientist said during a recent radio interview.

Economist says something's got to give: pensions or public schools

By Karen Kidd | Jul 2, 2017

Public sector employees and retirees could accept less than their constitutionally protected pensions if they understand it's them or public education, an economist said during an appearance on a recent Chicago-based radio show.

'Panicked' Democrats fear House downfall after approving school funding bill, radio host says

By Karen Kidd | Jun 23, 2017

Democratic state lawmakers showed their true colors in May when they demanded an investigation into an article about apparently doomed school funding reform legislation, a radio show co-host said recently.

Taxpayers say 'reform,' but lawmakers hear 'more taxes,' policy pro says

By Karen Kidd | Jun 17, 2017

Illinois lawmakers betray their ignorance of the needs and opinions of taxpayers when they pass huge tax increases as a way out of the ongoing budget impasse, a policy expert said on a radio program recently.

'Absurd' math used to calculate 'Comeback Agenda,' financial pro says

By Karen Kidd | May 18, 2017

There won't be any coming back for high-wage earners who will exit Illinois in a hurry if the so-called "Illinois Comeback Agenda" passes, a financial services professional said.

Medicaid, education must be key budget planks, former senator says

By Karen Kidd | Apr 4, 2017

Lawmakers in Springfield hammering out the so-called Grand Bargain need to restore the faith of business in Illinois, a former state senator turned technology and manufacturing advocate said during a recent Chicago-based radio talk show appearance.

Illinois taxpayers must demand that legislators reform pension system, analyst says

By Karen Kidd | Nov 7, 2016

Illinois taxpayers need to send a clear message to the General Assembly to work with the governor and tackle the state's trillions of dollars in unfunded pension liabilities, the president of a government advisory group said during a recent radio interview.

If Illinois Dems win big, they risk owning way more than just victory

By Karen Kidd | Nov 7, 2016

While online campaigning and phone polling are changing the way elections happen, Democrats in Springfield may find themselves in an unfamiliar position if they should win a super-majority next week, a Chicago-area political reporter said during a radio interview.