By George Harris Google Home speakers are “smart,” to use the language of our times. They’re also stolen. That’s according to a recent ruling from the U.S. International Trade Commission that found Google infringed on five patents from Sonos, a speaker company. The ruling prohibits Google from importing products that infringe on the patented technology —…

By Thomas L. Knapp Earlier this month, the Republican National Committee announced its withdrawal from the Commission on Presidential Debates, which has monopolized “major party” debates since 1988. The RNC, claiming bias on the CPD’s part in selecting moderators, pledged to “find newer, better debate platforms.” While the RNC’s reasons are self-serving, this may be…

By Ray Hanania There is no doubt that a bias exists in the mainstream news media when it comes to Chicago politics. For example, last week would have been Chicago Mayor Harold Washington’s 100th birthday had he not died of poor health and eating habits on Nov. 25, 1987. I covered Washington from the day…

By Paul R. Michel America can’t outcompete low-wage countries when it comes to manufacturing cheap, mass-produced widgets. But we can — and historically have — outcompeted every other nation when it comes to creating superior technology, from semiconductors and smartphone operating systems to advanced medicines. Unfortunately, this advantage is disappearing. Competitor nations have greatly improved…

By Rich Miller The Illinois Senate adjourned its session April 9, just after 3 o’clock in the morning. The House adjourned about three hours later, as the sun was coming up. This wasn’t the first time the chambers worked into the wee smalls to finish their work, including a budget, and it probably won’t be…

By Ray Hanania Does Gov. JB Pritzker really think Illinois voters are stupid? Does he think we are just not smart enough or that we are indifferent to the harsh world around us? The past two years have been the most difficult taxpayers have faced economically. The pandemic changed our lives and delayed much, including…

By Rich Miller Last year’s state budget talks were dragged into the bitter fight between the Senate and the House and the governor’s office over a massive bill to regulate carbon-based power plants. As a result, the House hurriedly and angrily jammed an appropriations bill over to the Senate before it could be fully checked…

By Becky Doyle Most Illinoisans do not realize that the most important resource in our state is right under their feet. Illinois soils are more appreciated globally than they are right here at home. Long valued for their world-class productive capacity, our soils are now also known to be capable of: Protecting water quality. Providing…

By Ray Hanania Prices have been skyrocketing at every level and on every item in a large part because of the heavy toll the pandemic has had on businesses and workers. The Russian invasion and accelerated war crimes in Ukraine have aggravated the economic impact on everyday citizens. That’s what inspired Dr. Willie Wilson last…

By Rich Miller As you probably already know, the Democratic Governors Association recently launched a TV ad blasting Republican gubernatorial candidate Richard Irvin for claiming to be a crime fighter while having defended dangerous criminals as a defense attorney. “Richard Irvin’s real record on crime?” the DGA ad begins. “For 15 years, Irvin has been…