Justin Shimko is an award-winning writer and political analyst. He began as a reporter in his college days at the University of Oklahoma, writing for The Oklahoma Daily (rated as one of the best collegiate newspapers in the nation) and The Oklahoman, the statewide newspaper, winning awards from the CSPA and the Society of Professional Journalists. He later moved on to research and writing work for a number of political campaigns. His email is [email protected]
Hearing the words snow day brings joy to children all over the north, but it may be a way to reduce a prolonged problem with adults, too. By Justin Shimko Snow days for a child in Chicago must be an adventurous good time. I could imagine kids getting giddy at sleeping in, bundling up to […]
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There will always be poverty people, but we seem stuck on trying to win an unwinnable battle. It’s time to redefine the fight. by Justin Shimko Last week, I laid out the fundamental problem with increasing the minimum wage. That concept, along with higher taxes for the rich and more economic programs that create negligible […]
Continue reading …Minimum Wage increases won’t help the poor, no matter how high you raise the rate. By Justin Shimko The State of the Union, oftentimes the best and most-watched speech of the year for a President, is typically where we see new policy initiatives and a recap of previous ones, successful or not. What we saw […]
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Quinn’s actions could be compared to the 5-year-old who fails to win at whack-a-mole at Chuck E. Cheese’s, only there’s no pizza around to dry his three-month-old tears. by Justin Shimko As Gov. Pat Quinn’s moments running the embattled and cash-strapped state died out, Illinoisans across the Prairie State caught a good glimpse of the […]
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Islamists may have attacked Charlie Hebdo out of cowardice, but that doesn’t excuse censorship among news organizations. By Justin Shimko This morning started like any other for billions of people on this planet. This evening ended in tragedy for 12 in a Paris news office after terrorists showed their cowardice in attacking the Charlie Hebdo […]
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Saying No is important. I’ll demonstrate that now. by Sally Eames I was going to write this week about the importance of learning to say no. Of how sometimes it’s necessary to release things, to refuse things, to let someone else have a turn. To say no so that you can create space for a […]
Continue reading …Everyone makes Christmas lists this time of year. Here is my list to benefit everyone in Illinois…and a few back home. by Justin Shimko It’s that time of year where children are excited for Santa’s arrival all throughout North America and beyond. Parents, siblings, grandparents, and many others will be sending out their lists to […]
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Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka was a true leader in Illinois, providing the blueprint for winning as a Republican in Illinois. by Justin Shimko The State of Illinois lost a fantastic woman early Wednesday morning as Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka passed away suddenly after suffering a stroke just the day before. The news shocked […]
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Space to slow down and breathing is important, especially in the frantic holiday season. By Sally Eames This morning I slept in. I did it because I could. Fridays are my catch-up day and because I admit I really don’t work well before 9am. So I’ve built a schedule that includes evenings for work but […]
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Blog Posts
- Podcast: Can Garcia defeat Emanuel in Chicago Mayoral runoff April 7? March 2, 2015 Ray Hanania
- Garcia humbles Mayor Emanuel, forces run-off April 7 February 25, 2015 Ray Hanania
- Corage: Doing the Best I Can February 24, 2015 Staff Blogger
- Little League scandal reflects growing corruption in sports February 22, 2015 Ray Hanania
- Groups Look to Sustain Clean Water Goals for DuPage County and Downriver February 21, 2015 Barry Dredze
- Reluctant Xtian: Ash Kicking or Why I Don’t Think Ash Wednesday is a Good Day for Peddling Religious Goods February 18, 2015 Staff Blogger
Radically Centered: Rauner Budget Begins New Tango in Springfield
The Rauner Budget Proposal has him and Madigan doing something Springfield has not seen in years: negotiate. by Justin Shimko Something strange happened in Springfield last week. While masses of Catholics, Lutherans, Episcopalians and many other Christians going to the lunchroom and local parishes to receive their ashes to mark the start of Lent, Gov. […]
February 26, 2015No CommentRead More