THE iLLINOIS OBSERVER
Mayor Rahm Emanuel
Stealing a March on Emanuel, Ald. Michele Smith Wins Approval of Local Convenience Store Liquor Sales Crackdown
(Chicago) – April 12, 2012. Special Report: While Mayor Rahm Emanuel today was revving up a new effort to crackdown on problematic convenience stores that sell liquor, 43rd Ward Alderman Michele Smith earlier in the week had already won approval of a measure by a Chicago City Council panel to crackdown on expanded liquor sales on a slice of North Avenue. Continue reading
Bending to Parents, Mayor Rahm Emanuel Sets Chicago Grade School Day Length to 7 Hours
(Chicago) – April 10, 2012. After getting an ear-full from parents, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard today announced that Chicago elementary schools will shrink their original expanded school day to a 7-hour day next year and high schools will adopt a 7 1/2-hour day. Continue reading
Late Night: A.G. Lisa Madigan Reports Investigators See 3,200 in Illinois Trading Child Pornography Online… and More
(Chicago) — April 10, 2012. As part of crackdown on traffickers who are trading child pornography online, Attorney General Lisa Madigan revealed on Friday that her office’s investigators have monitored in the last 120 days 3,200 Illinois IP addresses trading child pornography. Continue reading
Late Night: Beaubien Widow Reportedly to Launch Independent Challenge to GOP’s David McSweeney for House Seat… and More
(Chicago) – April 7, 2012. A conservative on-line newspaper is reporting that Dee Beaubien, the widow of State Rep. Mark Beaubien (R-Barrington), intends to run for the Illinois House as an independent against GOP nominee David McSweeney in the November 2012 election. Continue reading
Clout Heavy Chicago Firm Gets $3.2 Million Contract to Rebuild Rosenblum Park… and More
(Chicago, IL) – April 6, 2012. The Board of Commissioners of the Public Building Commission of Chicago just announced last week on March 28 a nearly $3.2 million contract award to a clout-heavy firm for the redevelopment of Rosenblum Park on the city’s south side. Continue reading
Mayor Rahm Emanuel Converting Springfield Pumping Station to Electricity, Saving Taxpayers $7.5 Million
(Chicago, IL) – April 5, 2012. Electricity is replacing steam power at the City of Chicago’s Springfield Avenue Pumping Station, as part of “Building a New Chicago”, a comprehensive $7.3 billion infrastructure renewal program put forward by Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In a network of 12 pumping stations, the Springfield Station, at 1725 N. Springfield Avenue … Continue reading
With Gay Smoking Prevalence 12% Points Above General Population, Mayor Rahm Emanuel Rolls Out New Chicago Gay Health Plan
(Chicago, IL) – April 3, 2012. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has launched a Community Action Plan outlining strategies to address the specific health needs of Chicago’s gay community, including targeting well-above average smoking habits. Continue reading
Late Night: Chicago Dog Registration Zooms after Chicago Clerk Susana Mendoza Crackdown… and More
(Chicago, IL) – March 31, 2012. After a string of high-profile, vicious attacks in Chicago by unlicensed pit bulls, Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza launched a crackdown on dog registration in January, an effort which has boosted dog licenses 99.4% in the first three months of 2012. Since the launch of the crackdown in January, … Continue reading
Mayor Rahm Emanuel Repackages Previously Announced Construction Projects and News Media Fawns
(Chicago, IL) – March 29, 2012. Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced a repackaging of many previously announced construction projects into one, $7 billion bundle. Continue reading
Mayor Rahm Emanuel Announces More than $1.6 Million in Illegal Drugs Seized in Lawndale
(Chicago, IL) – March 26, 2012. Two gang and narcotics take-downs by Chicago police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, an operation dubbed “Operation Triple Threat,” has snared more than $1.6 million in narcotics on Chicago’s West Side. Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced at a press conference that city and federal law enforcement nabbed 35 … Continue reading
Bill Clinton to Speak at World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Chicago
(Chicago, IL) – March 26, 2012. The Chicago World Summit Host Committee today announced that ex-President Bill Clinton will deliver the keynote address to the 12thWorld Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Chicago on April 23 – 25 Continue reading
State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz Praises Emanuel on Fullerton Parkway Bridge Reconstruction that Begins Monday
(Chicago, IL) – March 13, 2012. Mayor Rahm Emanuel‘s administration announced today that it was beginning the reconstruction of the Fullerton Parkway Bridge over the Lincoln Park Lagoon and adjacent pedestrian underpass on Monday, March 19, a step that drew praise from an area state lawmaker. “Key drainage and landscaping enhancements are provided in this … Continue reading
Late Night: Illinois House GOP Lawmaker Backs Democrat for House… and More
(Chicago, IL) – Friends Like This Are Hard to Find – When it is your job to help elect Republicans to the Illinois House of Representatives, an out-stretched, bi-partisan hand can seem, sometimes, stretched out of its socket when the Chairman of the Illinois House Republican campaign committee endorses a Democrat for the House. But … Continue reading
Wednesday Watch: The Most Expensive Illinois Legislative Primary? Judicial Pensions on the Table?…and More
(Springfield, IL) – And The Prize For Most Expensive Primary So Far Goes To… GOP State Senators Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) and Christine Johnson (R-Shabbona) for harvesting $581,100 with which to clobber each other. Second Prize Goes To… State Senator Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) and State Rep. Chris Nybo (R-Lombard) for vacuuming in $512,800 for their slugflest. … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn, County Board President Toni Preckwinkle Dump Illinois Medical District Commissioners
(Chicago, IL) – March 6, 2012. Launching a joint strike, Governor Pat Quinn and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today dumped five commissioners on the financially troubled Illinois Medical District Commission and replaced them with fresh appointees. Continue reading
Tuesday Tips: Chicago North Side Judge Campaign Rolls in Dough, Rolls Out Cable Ad; Emanuel Wants to Lease City Land to Catholic Charities for $1 … and More
(Chicago, IL) – Chicago North Side Judge Campaign Rolls in Dough, Rolls Out Video Ad – Judge Celia Louise Gamrath, who is hustling by going door-to-door for a seat from the lakefront 8th Judicial Subcircuit on Chicago’s north side once held Chicago’s first openly gay judge, Tom Chiola, is out with a polished video ad … Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel Announce Appointees to McCormick Place Board
(Chicago, IL) – March 5, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn and Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced today their eight appointments for the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Board. The appointees from Quinn are Carmen Lonstein, Ron Powell, Bob Reiter and Becky Strzechowski. Emanuel’s are: Roger J. Kiley, Jr., Dan Hynes, Frank M. Clark, Jr. and Julie Chavez. … Continue reading
Will Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Endorsement Help Dem State Representative Hopeful Christian Mitchell?
(Chicago, IL) – March 1, 2012. Unlike his predecessor ex-Mayor Richard Daley, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has been actively wading into Democratic legislative primary fights, and Emanuel did so again today, throwing his support to Christian Mitchell who’s locked in tough race against Kenny Johnson. Continue reading
Where is Rahm Emanuel Collecting $50 Million More than Expected in Chicago Taxes?
(Chicago, IL) – February 20, 2012. Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced the release of the first-ever City of Chicago quarterly budget report, noting that city tax collection is running about $50 million higher than originally estimated. “For the first time ever, the City is providing the public with regular progress reports on where the City … Continue reading
Mayor Rahm Emanuel Finds Additional Chicago Residents, Wants U.S. Census Bureau Redo
(Chicago, IL) – February 20, 2012. Whattya know. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has uncovered additional Chicago residents. And the mayor now wants the U. S. Census Bureau to revise Chicago’s 2010 Census count. Continue reading
Is Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Springfield Winning Streak Over?
(Chicago, IL) – In Springfield Rahm was on roll. He won approval for his school plan to extend the school day and school year. He won approval for the DREAM act to help enable privately-funded scholarship for undocumented students. He won approval of his speed camera plan to fine speeding drivers in school zones. He … Continue reading
Mayor Emanuel Praises Feigenholtz, Steans for Illinois Homeless Shelter Funding Restoration
(Springfield, IL) – November 29, 2011. The Illinois General Assembly on Tuesday approved legislation that would restore $4.3 million to emergency shelter services for homeless Illinois citizens, drawing warm praise from Chicago’s mayor. “I applaud the Illinois General Assembly for restoring critical funding to the Emergency and Transitional Housing program that supports homeless services and shelters,” … Continue reading
Mayor Emanuel, Speaker Madigan, Fund-Raising Boost Rep. Kelly Cassidy’s Election Campaign against Paula Basta
(Chicago, IL) – November 19, 2011. In a significant boost to Chicago Democratic State Rep. Kelly Cassidy’s election chances, Chicago’s newly minted mayor and the state’s powerful House Speaker have rolled out their backing for the first-term North Side lawmaker. Continue reading
Chicago’s CTA Red Line, Purple Line Get Billion Dollar Boost from Gov. Pat Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel
(Chicago, IL) – November 3, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel are officially guy-pals. Continue reading
Gov. Pat Quinn Kills Illinois Gaming Bill; Offers Counter Plan Likely to Sink New Casinos
(Chicago, IL) — October 17, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that would not sign the gaming expansion passed by the Illinois legislature in May. Instead, Quinn offered a proposal that, among other things, would prohibit the installation of slot machines at horse race tracks, a proposition that likely dooms any gaming expansion in Illinois. … Continue reading
Pushing Back on Emanuel, Gov. Pat Quinn Announces Rail Construction Project for Chicago’s South Side
(Chicago, IL) — August 23, 2011. As a part of the growing spat with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel over the fate of a tax revenue-rich casino for Chicago, Governor Pat Quinn today went out of his way to highlight his efforts to create jobs in Chicago by announcing the start of construction for a railroad … Continue reading
Chicago Sues Kankakee and Others over Illinois Sales Tax Scam
(Chicago, IL) — August 23, 2011. Mayor Rahm Emanuel today had the City of Chicago file a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County seeking damages from the City of Kankakee, Village of Channahon and three brokers over a sales tax kickback scheme that is diverting sales tax revenue from Chicago. “Companies are gaming … Continue reading
Analysis: Is Governor Pat Quinn Seeking to Boost His Political Relevance by Challenging Mayor Rahm Emanuel?
GOVERNOR Pat Quinn struggled to assert his political authority and legislative agenda during the just completed spring session of the Illinois General Assembly, drawing public questioning of his political relevance by political commentators and Springfield observers. Continue reading
Illinois Senate Approves Illinois Workers Compensation Reform, Drawing Rahm Emanuel’s Praise
(Springfield, IL) – May 28, 2011. The Illinois Senate yesterday approved a comprehensive reform of the Illinois workers compensation system to eliminate abuse and save Illinois businesses $500 million annually. “This reform package is the single most important thing we can do to improve our business climate and ensure our economic recovery continues,” said Senate … Continue reading
David Ormsby, Editor
Gov. Pat Quinn
- Pat Quinn On Gay Marriage: Illinois Governor Endorses Marriage ... The Huffington Post News Editors
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- FREEDOMISMIST: PAT QUINN MAY BE ABLE STAY OUT OF ... Eileen
- Governor Pat Quinn Puts His Foot Down On Gambling Expansion ... Mark
- Teachers picket against pension changes : News : ConnectTriStates ... KHQA Newsdesk
- Detective Shaved Longcock: Gov Quinn coughs up over $73 ... Det. Shaved Longcock
- Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn Endorses Gay Marriage unknown
- Democurmudgeon: Gov. Pat Quinn exposes Scott Walker as a fake ... Democurmudgeon
- McHenry County Blog | Pat Quinn Tells Truth about Pension ... Cal Skinner
- Quinn Launches “Save Our State" Website | Chicago Tonight | WTTW Yasmin Rammohan
IL General Assembly
- Illinois General Assembly Approves Money to Keep Day Care Center Open, Bill ... - WJBD Online May 18, 2012
- State's Minimum Wage Could Become Highest in Country - Patch.com May 18, 2012
- Legislative update: Budget, pension, Medicaid await Illinois General Assembly ... - NIU Today May 15, 2012
- General Assembly puts health exchange bill on back burner - Crain's Chicago Business May 10, 2012
- American Progressive Bag Alliance Urges Illinois General Assembly To Pass ... - MarketWatch (press release) May 1, 2012
- Personal property tax diversion goes nowhere in legislature - The State Journal-Register May 16, 2012
- American Progressive Bag Alliance Urges Illinois General Assembly To Pass ... - PR Newswire (press release) May 1, 2012
- Chicago Cubs, Obama controversy part of final days of legislative session - Examiner.com May 19, 2012
- Feds give Illinois more money for insurance exchange as Legislature stalls - Crain's Chicago Business May 17, 2012
- Our View: Illinois pensions, casinos and Rockford's new bishop in stew - Rockford Register Star May 13, 2012
The Capitol Fax Blog
- Reader comments closed for the weekend May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- Chicago Tribune: Coal plant closures could send electricity costs soaring May 18, 2012 Advertising Department
- Protected: *** UPDATED x5 *** SUBSCRIBERS ONLY: This just in… May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- Question of the day May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- OK, so where’s your plan? May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- Caption contest! May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- Topinka: Cigarette tax hike a “common sense solution” May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- Slots at tracks a possibility? Maybe May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- AFSCME loses appeal over canceled raises May 18, 2012 Rich Miller
- *** UPDATED x2 - Ricketts gave preliminary approval, lauded TV ad *** Cubs owners try damage control May 18, 2012 Rich Miller