Jim Dey

3 days ago | news-gazette.com | Jim Dey

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4 days ago | news-gazette.com | Jim Dey

It’s time once again to dive into another round of quick takes on the people, places and events that were being talked about over the past week:Cards fan pens anotherWill Leitch, a favorite son of Mattoon and the University of Illinois, has published his latest novel. To top it off, movie producer Lionsgate has purchased the rights for the recently published “Lloyd McNeil’s Last Ride.”Here’s the premise as described on Amazon:“Lloyd McNeil has just learned he has months to live.

5 days ago | news-gazette.com | Jim Dey

Hey, it’s almost summer, and the Chicago Cubs are in first place in their division. (The less said about the sorry White Sox, the better.)So in the spirit of the season, why not hold a corruption double-header at the federal courthouse in Chicago? After all, cynics often say that watching Chicago’s and Illinois’ rancid politics and politicians is one of our favorite sports — rain or shine. So play ball!Leading off will be former longtime Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

5 days ago | news-gazette.com | Jim Dey

Did too many House cooks spoil pending tax legislation? The best line in the aftermath of the U.S. House’s passage of President Trump’s “big beautiful” tax bill came from a U.S. senator who suggested the legislation needs a couple of shots of botox to improve its appearance. That senator will be among those who can see to it, because the controversial legislation now goes before the Senate, where it will receive a thorough review and revisions.

1 week ago | news-gazette.com | Jim Dey

Even when government in Illinois is the solution, its operations can pose a problem in terms of corruption and/or incompetence. Considering the many thousands of units of government there are in Illinois — the most of all the 50 states — that can add up to a whole bushel full of issues. Further consider a dilemma currently facing state legislators.