Category Archives: Politics

Illinois GOP members react to DeSantis visit

Illinois GOP members react to DeSantis visit

The state’s Republicans Friday could only look and listen, and think, someday that could be us, as they took in Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ keynote address at a GOP dinner in Peoria.MORE

Illinois Senate Republicans introduce package of bills to fight crime, empower victims

Illinois Senate Republicans introduce package of bills to fight crime, empower victims

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Senate Republicans have a package of bills which they say will put the priority back on the victims. “Over the last several years,” said State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg), “Illinois has seen policies and proposals that prioritize criminals, while seemingly making victims out to be second-class citizens. “This is…MORE

Next mayor of Chicago addresses Illinois House and Senate

Next mayor of Chicago addresses Illinois House and Senate

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois House and Senate Wednesday welcomed the next mayor of Chicago to a rare joint session. Brandon Johnson called Chicago a union town and Illinois a union state. “Just look at our state constitution, where we grant workers the fundamental right to organize and to collectively bargain. Right there…MORE

Hundreds of gun owners rally in Springfield

Hundreds of gun owners rally in Springfield

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Two days after Audrey Hale killed six people in a Nashville Christian school, the Illinois State Rifle Association put on its annual Illinois Gun Owners Lobby Day, featuring a program at the BOS Center, a march down Capitol Avenue, and a rally in front of the statehouse. The group’s leader…MORE

Bill in the Illinois General Assembly would curb the cost of insulin

Bill in the Illinois General Assembly would curb the cost of insulin

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Backers of a bill to hold the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 for a month’s supply brought out a retiree to make their case. “I (have been) insulin-dependent for well over twenty years, and this is needed legislation for a lot of people,” said Judy Johnson of Springfield. “I…MORE

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…