The Latest Breaking News from Blaine Wilhour

DU QUOIN, Ill. — In his thick country drawl, Darren Bailey stood at a lectern clutching a microphone, trying to convince a crowd in his rural home base of southern Illinois that he speaks their language.

Few of his initiatives wind up in state law books, but they have all helped Bailey quickly make a name for himself as a firebrand devoted to conservative ideology. That includes pride in how few of his bills pass. “We do not need more government — more government like J.B.…

The resolution passed 104 to 1, with the no vote cast by state Rep. Lakesia Collins — who sponsored all three previous resolutions to remove mask scofflaws. Republicans welcomed the vote but spent more time talking about Mike Madigan.

State Rep. Blaine Wilhour said there is absolutely no observed or clinical data that indicates any benefit to masking K-12 students in schools. Clinical studies cannot be conducted because of the risk they would pose to unprotected children, but observational data shows masks are beneficial in reducing transmissions in schools.