David McKinney

Sen. Oberweis, one of three GOP 'yes' votes on medicinal marijuana, opens door to broader legalization

blogs.suntimes.com — Sen. Jim Oberweis (R-Sugar Grove), pictured in this April file photo, said he didn't "feel strongly" about casting one of three Republican votes for medicinal marijuana legislation Friday but said he might support broader legalization of the drug. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman) SPRINGFIELD-State Sen.

Senate sends medical marijuana legislation to Quinn

blogs.suntimes.com — SPRINGFIELD-The idea of Illinoisans turning to pot to treat severe illnesses moved closer to reality Friday after the Illinois Senate approved the medicinal use of marijuana over GOP objections it would encourage more serious drug use. The Senate's 35-21 vote, which followed an emotional debate that lasted more than an hour, moves the legislation carried by state Sen.

Toni Preckwinkle rips Emanuel, says CPS closure plan ‘weakens our public schools’

suntimes.com — In an exclusive interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle suggested the mayor and his handpicked schools officials refrain from shuttering 13 of the 54 schools marked for closure. She noted that hearing officers hired to oversee the process recommended that those schools stay open.

Emanuel, business leaders make pitch for McCormick arena - and it’s a tough sell

suntimes.com — BY FRAN SPIELMAN City Hall Reporter fspielman@suntimes.com Mayor Rahm Emanuel announces plans to develop several hotels and a basketball arena near McCormick Place during a press conference at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill., on Thursday, May 16, 2013. | Andrew A.

Illinois public colleges and universities agree to begin paying for their employees' pensions

blogs.suntimes.com — Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) Thursday chaired the second of a series of 'cost-shift' meetings, during which public higher-education institutions agreed to begin picking up the tab for their employees' pensions. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman) SPRINGFIELD-Illinois' public colleges and universities will gradually begin picking up the costs of their employees' pensions starting next year under an agreed plan announced Thursday by House Speaker Michael Madigan and higher-education representatives.

Senate panel OKs concealed-carry bill over NRA opposition

blogs.suntimes.com — SPRINGFIELD-Favored by gun-control advocates, a push establishing tight limits on where Illinois gun owners could carry their weapons in public advanced in the state Senate Thursday over objections from the National Rifle Association.

Nomination pulls back curtain on Pritzker fortune

suntimes.com — WASHINGTON - The portfolio of Chicago billionaire Penny Pritzker, the Commerce secretary nominee, reflects vast holdings in hotels, casinos, parking lots, student and elderly housing, a stake in the show "Singin' in the Rain," and last year, $53.6 million from a family trust in the Bahamas.

Allegedly drunk limo driver prompts House bill to boost DUI penalties

blogs.suntimes.com — SPRINGFIELD-Two House Republicans introduced legislation Tuesday to increase the penalty for hired drivers caught transporting passengers while drunk from a misdemeanor to a felony aggravated DUI. The proposal, sponsored by House Republican leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) and Rep.