Medical Marijuana Bill Passed by Illinois Senate; Quinn Last Hurdle

Passed by a 35-21 vote, the bill now goes to the desk of Gov. Pat Quinn, who has not yet said whether he intends to sign it.

By a vote of 35-21, the Illinois Senate approved legislation on Friday that would allow doctors in the state to prescribe marijuana as pain relief for severe medical conditions. The bill now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn for his signature. According to the Chicago Tribune, the bill covers 33 specific conditions—including multiple sclerosis, cancer and HIV infection—and includes several controls, with a four-year trial program, dosage limits, fingerprinting, background checks and licensed dispensing centers. “This bill is filled with walls to keep this limited,” the paper quoted sponsoring Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton), who urged lawmakers to pass the legislation as a compassionate measure for those suffering with extreme pain. In opposition, Sen. …

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Is Medical Marijuana Coming to Illinois? Bill Passes Senate Committee

A bill that has already passed the Illinois House could pave the way for limited prescriptions of pot.

Illinois lawmakers may be poised to enact one of the toughest medical marijuana laws in the nation after a Senate Committee moved a bill Wednesday allowing those with a limited list of illness to obtain a prescription for the drug. The bill has passed the Illinois House and Gov. Pat Quinn has said he is open to the proposal, reported the Chicago Tribune. The Senate Committee voted 10-5 even after law enforcement officials objected on the grounds that the bill does not include provisions for driving under the influence of marijuana, the Trib reported. The law would allow patients to obtain 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks. Sixty pot dispensaries would be set up throughout the state. The bill is sponsored by former State’s Attorney …

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Ernie Knight

5:47 pm on Friday, May 17, 2013

Olddeegee, No financial stake on MY part. I don't know about others here, including you. For those killed in DUI crashes, prison is not more harmful than smoking pot. For the guy killed while eating someone's face, prison would not have been more harmful. For the guy bulldozing the town, prison would not be more harmful.   more ›

Gov. Quinn Declares State of Emergency

Gov. Quinn has declared a state of emergency in the wake of flooding throughout the Chicago area.

Governor Pat Quinn declared a state of emergency as state agencies prepared to provide assistance to local governments throughout northern Illinois dealing with severe river and flash flooding. The state of emergency ensures that state resources are activated and that the federal government is aware that a disaster declaration is likely. It also allows the state to request resources as needed, such as personnel and equipment. State and local emergency personnel have been on the ground in hardest hit areas since early this morning. "Heavy rainfall over the past few days has created dangerous flooding in areas across the state," Governor Quinn stated in a press release. "Everyone should stay home and off the roads if possible. To ensure …

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Sunday Comic: Will Concealed Carry Be Good for Illinois?

Residents of our state will soon have the right to carry concealed weapons in public, but that doesn't mean safety is guaranteed.

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William

12:15 pm on Sunday, May 12, 2013

Wow...change your name to delusional. So you think the guy on the right should say..."whoa buddy...I'm calling the police...you better be worried" Even the police don't agree with you. I'm calling you out, ignorance is not an excuse despite what the liberals are telling you.   more ›

Wall St. Journal and AP Call Illinois for Obama

About 15 minutes after the polls closed, news media sources put Illinois in the Obama column, giving the president 20 electoral votes.

President Barack Obama won Illinois’ 20 electoral votes on Tuesday, defeating Republican Mitt Romney. Illinois, of course, was never in play. The only visit the president made to his home state late in the campaign came Oct. 25, when he returned to the South Side to cast an early ballot at the Martin Luther King Community Center. Obama is the first president to ever vote early in a presidential election.  The Wall St. Journal and the Associated Press called the state about 15 minutes after the polls closed. The president's handling of the economy is a major factor in many voters' decision this year. "This election bears serious significance for our future," said Sheila Brady of Orland Park, outside her Fernway Elementary School polling …

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Sunday Cartoon: The Great State of Gambling

Illinois runs the house while taking over video gaming

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Batavia Goes Back To School

H.C. Storm School Flashback: Supply Pick-Up and Drop-Off Day

Families and teachers of Storm School were all smiles for the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year. The 2012-13 school year begins Aug. 21, 2012.

Here is a look at Batavia Public Schools in back-to-school mode last year, in a series of never-before-seen photos: School supply boxes were unpacked Aug. 22, 2011 at H.C. Storm Elementary in Batavia. Families and teachers were able to meet and greet one another while getting ready for the 2011-2012 school year.  Many students couldn't wait for the first day of school, full of learning, friendship and fun.

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Batavia Goes Back To School

Flashback: Louise White Students Get Ready For School

Here's a look back at Louise White students preparing for school last year. The 2012-13 school year begins Aug. 21, 2012.

Here is a look at Batavia Public Schools in back-to-school mode last year, in a series of never-before-seen photos: Students, parents and educators came together to unpack supply boxes and get the 2011-12 school year off to a great start. Supply bags were picked up and dropped off in kindergarten classrooms at Louise White Elementary on Aug. 22, 2011. This was the day before last year's start date. Both parents and students were excited to begin a new school year with fresh supplies, which included everything needed for a successful academic year.

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Website Seeks Funds to Make Video on Fox River's History in Geneva

KickStarter project asks people to help fund a documentary video that would explore the early days of the settlements along the Fox.

"Let's produce a video documentary about the Fox River and how important it has been in the development of Geneva for over 175 years." That's the opening of the KickStarter website plug to find donors willing to help pay for The History of the Fox River in Geneva, Illinois video program. According to the website, the hope is "to explore the early days of Native American settlements in the Geneva area as well as the economic opportunities the river provided for such businesses as the Butter and Cheese Manufacturing Company, Bennett Mill, Howell Company and the Charles Pope Glucose Company to name just a few." This 20-minute video survey of how the Fox River serves the community of Geneva will also detail the beauty of the river and the many…

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