AltWeeklies Wire
Gambling on the Fairgroundsnew
Step right up! Welcome to the Illinois State Fairgrounds, where kids can milk cows, and cows can win ribbons and anyone 21 years and older can contribute to an electronic, press-a-button, hear-a-beep, wait-to-(probably)-lose-while-it-looks-like-you’re-winning casino king’s cash cow – the slot machine.
Illinois Times |
Rachel Wells |
07-14-2011 |
Economy
Another Try to Legalize Medical Marijuana in Illinoisnew
Illinois residents tell their stories of need.
Illinois Times |
Holly Dillemuth |
05-10-2011 |
Drugs
Lawyers, Asian Carp and Money in Illinoisnew
Nothing was normal about this fishing expedition. The water, not a natural pond or stream. The temperature, well below freezing. We weren't allowed on the fishing boats, our guides told us, because it wasn't safe today.
Chicago Reader |
Ryan Chew |
03-29-2010 |
Environment
Can Alexi Giannoulias Make it to Washington, D.C.?new
Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias leads the pack of Democrats running for U.S. Senate, but can he overcome criticisms concerning his time at the family bank and in office?
Illinois Times |
Patrick Yeagle |
01-21-2010 |
Politics
Illinois Judge Says Autistic Child Can Bring Service Dog to Schoolnew
An Illinois judge decided last week that Kaleb Drew, a 6-year-old with autism, can bring his service dog Chewey to school. The Drew family and their local school district have battled over the issue in court since July. It's the first time the issue has been tested in court in the state.
Illinois Times |
Amanda Robert |
11-20-2009 |
Civil Liberties
Is it Too Easy to Clobber a Cabbie in Chicago?new
Walid Ziada's fellow cabbies say his attackers are getting off lightly -- despite a new Illinois law intended to protect taxi drivers.
Chicago Reader |
Kari Lydersen |
10-19-2009 |
Crime & Justice
After Mentally Ill Prisoner Dies in Illinois 'Supermax' Prison, Reforms Are Promisednew
As human rights organizations stepped forward to speak for Robert Foor, a 33-year-old who died in June after nearly 11 years in isolation at the Tamms Closed Maximum Security Unit, the Illinois Department of Corrections announced its plans to reform the southern Illinois “supermax” prison.
Illinois Times |
Amanda Robert |
09-24-2009 |
Crime & Justice
Isn't That Super? A Dispatch from the 31st Annual Superman Celebrationnew
Each year since 1979, fans of Superman from around the world descend upon Metropolis, a sleepy hamlet (population 6,482) on the banks of the Ohio River at the southern tip of Illinois, to pay their respects to the iconic "Man of Steel." This year, we were there.
Riverfront Times |
Jennifer Silverberg |
07-31-2009 |
Culture
The Economic Argument for Legalizationnew
Advocates have long supported reforming current state and federal prohibitions against growing, trading and consuming marijuana. But existing evidence of the economic benefits of legalizing, regulating and taxing marijuana is even more compelling, particularly in today's trying times.
Illinois Times |
R.L. Nave |
03-02-2009 |
Drugs
Would You Vote for Roland Burris?new
Illinois voters have been asked this question repeatedly. Usually the answer is no.
Chicago Reader |
Ben Joravsky |
01-12-2009 |
Politics
Inside Patrick Fitzgerald's Timing on the Blago Casenew
Did he compromise his own investigation to sound the alarm on Blagojevich? Or did the Chicago Tribune do it for him?
Chicago Reader |
Michael Miner |
12-22-2008 |
Commentary
David Lineal Reaches Out to Illinois' Beleaguered Governor in Songnew
The frontman of the local pysch-pop band Bird Names recorded For the Love of Rod, a bizarre song cycle celebrating the governor, in 2005. He gave CD-Rs to a few friends, but the music never saw a proper release. Within hours of Blagojevich's arrest, though, he'd posted it as a free download on the Bird Names site.
Chicago Reader |
Liam Warfield |
12-22-2008 |
Music
Pat Quinn: Illinois Governor in Waitingnew
As Illinois lawmakers consider impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, his lieutenant governor prepares to go from maverick to main man.
Illinois Times |
R.L. Nave |
12-19-2008 |
Politics
Impeach Blago Nownew
The Illinois House needs to convene as soon as possible and begin impeachment proceedings. Patrick Fitzgerald's criminal complaint has basically given the General Assembly a 78-page road map.
Illinois Times |
Rich Miller |
12-15-2008 |
Commentary
Illinois GOP Wunderkind Wants to Schock the Systemnew
At age 27, Aaron Schock has held elected office for more than a third of his life. Now the boy wonder of the Illinois Republican party is poised to become the nation's youngest congressman.
Illinois Times |
R.L. Nave |
10-06-2008 |
Politics
