Illinois Valley Times

From Prairie State Wire

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.

Pleasant View Luther Home – Past abuse, now a death

By Hoang Tran | Jan 29, 2018

The Pleasant View Luther Home is once again in the line of fire, this time for a death of an elderly person. A year ago today NBC 5 covered an abuse case by this same facility and reports that they were fined in that case.

Rezin-pushed school reform bill called final victory in hard-fought battle

By Hoang Tran | Sep 3, 2017

Education funding reform in Illinois was a hard-fought battle that paid off by bringing a more equitable system to schools across the state, Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) said during Senate debate on Tuesday.

Negotiations paid off in compromise school funding bill, Demmer says

By Hoang Tran | Sep 3, 2017

Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) defended the work and compromise that went into the state's public school funding bill before its House passage on Aug. 28. Some of his Republican colleagues didn't agree that the results lived up to expectations.

Demmer pleads for end to coercion on education funding bill

By Hoang Tran | Jul 27, 2017

Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) chided Democratic lawmakers for playing schoolyard bully with the state's public education bill, twisting arms to get what they want regardless of what's best for all.

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.

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.

Senate rushes votes on budget bills

By Hoang Tran | Jul 4, 2017

On Independence Day, the Senate approved three bills that would increase taxes and provide $36 billion in spending for Illinois.

Long calls tax hike, revenue bill 'cart before the horse'

By Hoang Tran | Jul 3, 2017

Rep. Jerry Lee Long (R-Streator) told the House on Sunday that voting for a tax increase and revenue bill without having a budget in place is like “getting the cart before the horse.”

Demmer's pleas fall flat as House passes spending plan

By Hoang Tran | Jul 3, 2017

The Illinois House pushed through a spending plan late Sunday despite Rep. Tom Demmer's (R-Dixon) call for a postponement to iron out details.

Income tax hike passes Illinois House

By Hoang Tran | Jul 2, 2017

The Illinois House passed a contentious and divisive tax revenue bill on Sunday vigorous debate and little Republican support.

Brady nominated to replace Radogno as Senate GOP Leader

By Hoang Tran | Jun 30, 2017

Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) was selected unanimously today by his Republican colleagues to serve as new Illinois Senate Republican Leader.

Radogno sends shockwave with sudden resignation from Senate

By Hoang Tran | Jun 29, 2017

In a surprise announcement, Illinois Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) resigned her position and the Senate effective Saturday.

Long commended for Waltham school construction measure

By Hoang Tran | Jun 27, 2017

A bill to allow Waltham School District to extend its debt limit for the construction of a new facility passed the House on Monday thanks to the persistence of Rep. Jerry Lee Long (R-Streator).

Rauner urges political unity to save the future of Illinois

By Hoang Tran | Jun 20, 2017

Gov. Bruce Rauner urged Democratic and Republican lawmakers on Tuesday to unite and pass a balanced budget that will fund Illinois and get it back on its feet.

GOP plan all about easing tax burden by empowering people, Demmer says

By Hoang Tran | Jun 15, 2017

Consolidating local governments is a major step toward ending Illinois' record-high property tax rates, Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) said on Wednesday.

Rauner, GOP bemoan budget breakdown, blame bickering Democrats

By Hoang Tran | Jun 9, 2017

“Today we’ve seen a complete dereliction of duty by the majority in the General Assembly,” Gov. Bruce Rauner said after the 100th session of the General Assembly closed. “Once again, a tragic failure to serve the people of Illinois. A tragic failure to pass a balanced budget along with critical structural changes to protect taxpayers and grow more jobs.”