November, 2016 Stories | Dupage Policy Journal

Former Illinois GOP chief advises Trump to strike unifying tone in first 100 days

By Rock Island Today Reports | Nov 18, 2016

One-time Illinois GOP chair Pat Brady said that despite the controversy over the presidential election results, the public must abide by the nation’s democratic process and give Donald Trump a fair chance when he takes office.

Rocky road anticipated for Illinois Dems in election's wake

By Rock Island Today Reports | Nov 18, 2016

Following the general election, regional political analysts suggested that Republican victories in Illinois had more to do with Democratic challengers being intentionally tied to House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) in the public’s mind than initially anticipated.

Mautino scandal virtually ignored in state media, political realms

By Rock Island Today Reports | Nov 18, 2016

Despite the controversy surrounding embattled Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino and whatever misdeeds he may have committed, the scandal apparently is not a big deal if news media buzz and political heat are any indication, a citizen journalist recently said on his blog.

Illegal food stamp trafficking at record levels in Illinois

By Rock Island Today Reports | Nov 18, 2016

While July marked an all-year high for the number of individuals on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Illinois, it also marked a time when food stamp trafficking is on the rise.

Study shows Illinois has the highest black unemployment rate in the U.S.

By Rock Island Today Reports | Nov 18, 2016

Nationally, the unemployment rate for black Americans stands at 8.1 percent, which is higher than the national average of all Americans; but Illinois has the highest black unemployment rate in the entire country at 15 percent.

Medium trumpandryanmeetafterelectionyoutubescreenshot1280x640

Trump carries 91 of 102 counties in Illinois

By Rock Island Today Reports | Nov 18, 2016

President-elect Donald Trump won all but 11 of Illinois' 102 counties in the Nov. 8 election despite losing the popular vote in the state.

Ove Cano Purchases 448 E. 6 St., Milan

By Rock Island Today Reports | Nov 18, 2016

On July 1, 2016, Ove Cano purchased a home at 448 E. 6 St., Milan from Kaitlyn S. and Gerald D. Yakish and Kaitlyn S. Johnson for $81,000.

Katharine L Blick Purchases 2100 11th St., Silvis

By Rock Island Today Reports | Nov 17, 2016

On July 1, 2016, Katharine L Blick purchased a home at 2100 11th St., Silvis from By Trstee Dedecker Margaret H. Fam (trust) and By Trstee Dedecker Henry L. Fam (trust) for $117,500.

Augustana soccer player named to All-CCIW First Team

By Rock Island Today Reports | Nov 16, 2016

Augustana soccer forward Michael Brazinski has been named to the all-conference College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) First Team, according to the school's athletics website.

Critics say teacher pension pickups oppress taxpayers

By Rock Island Today Reports | Nov 16, 2016

One of the biggest wins for the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) when it scored a victory through a new four-year contract is that pension pickups were preserved; but what is good for teachers is not always what is good for everyone else as the plan stands to cost taxpayers a fortune.

Report says SNAP unequally benefits Illinois families of illegal immigrants

By Rock Island Today Reports | Nov 16, 2016

In the overwhelming majority of states, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) provides benefits to families with an illegal immigrant wage earner in it while denying benefits to an identical family of American citizens having the same income, according to a report from the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS).

Analyst: Illinois must create less-hostile tax climate to retain residents, businesses

By Rock Island Today Reports | Nov 16, 2016

Illinois needs to diversify its tax base and make changes to become more competitive if it wants to stem the tide of people leaving the state, an analyst for an independent policy organization said during a recent radio show interview.

Munger loses bid to retain comptroller post

By Rock Island Today Reports | Nov 16, 2016

Republican state Comptroller Leslie Munger of Lincolnshire, who was seeking to retain the post she held for nearly two years, conceded to Democrat Susana Mendoza, Chicago's city clerk, and congratulated her on her win.

Despite criticism, Illinois voters overwhelmingly approve Safe Roads Amendment

By Rock Island Today Reports | Nov 16, 2016

Illinois' Constitution will be amended to include the so-called "Safe Roads Amendment," meant to allocate billions for transportation projects; but opponents say it will cause financial strain in an already financially strained state, after voters passed the measure during Tuesday's general election.

Butler praises Rauner’s plan for state's Bicentennial celebration in 2018

By Rock Island Today Reports | Nov 16, 2016

State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield), a Peoria native who has long been active in local civic life, recently lauded Gov. Bruce Rauner’s approach to Illinois’ Bicentennial Celebration, set for 2018, commending his initiative in establishing a Bicentennial Commission.