A Central Illinois congressman, who fell in the primary, is detailing his next career path.… MORE
Category Archives: Politics
The re-election campaign is on for the governor
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – One of the first things Gov. JB Pritzker did after defeating a nominal opponent in Tuesday’s primary was to sit for two days of interviews with statehouse reporters. He told WJBC’s Dave Dahl that “anti-corruption” Aurora mayor Richard Irvin turned out to be corrupt himself, and that Republican primary winner…… MORE
Bailey to face Pritzker in the race to be the next governor of Illinois
By WJBC Staff BLOOMINGTON – State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) beat six candidates in Tuesday’s primary election and will face Gov. JB Pritzker in the November election. Bailey received 57% of the vote, with Jesse Sullivan getting 16% and Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin receiving 15%. Local Republican State Rep. Dan Brady easily beat John Milhiser…… MORE
Rivian wants wind turbine to power electric vehicles made in Normal
By HOI ABC NORMAL – A wind turbine would tower above the Rivian plant in west Normal if the town’s government signs off on the electric vehicle maker’s plans next month. The company’s wind project aims to deliver to customers its pickup and sport utility vehicles charged with on-site renewable energy. Earlier this year, Rivian…… MORE
On the heels of a primary, State Rep. Bourne makes a stop in Taylorville
Admitting she voted for herself, State Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Morrisonville) strolled into the Christian County courthouse in Taylorville Tuesday morning and participated in early voting. … MORE
Elected officials approve two solar farms with blessing of local labor unions
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Board on Thursday signed off on construction of two solar farms after receiving assurances that the developers will hire local workers. The board voted unanimously after a leader of the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers said unions had reached an agreement with Cypress Creek Renewables. The…… MORE
Bloomington to help Carle go mobile to provide health care for underserved areas
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council agreed to spend some of the money it’s received from the American Rescue Plan to help fund a mobile health unit serving McLean County residents who otherwise wouldn’t have direct assess to medical care. The council voted unanimously Monday night to contribute $150,000 from the federal…… MORE
Republican candidate for governor makes stop in Bloomington
By Dave Dahl BLOOMINGTON – The reported reboot of the Richard Irvin campaign looks a lot like how it started. The Aurora mayor and Republican gubernatorial candidate is back to telling people he is Democrats’ “worst nightmare.” Irvin, speaking with sheriffs in Bloomington Friday, is also back to saying he is intimidating Gov. JB Pritzker…… MORE
Some Downstate Republicans want immediate action to undo the gas tax increase
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Outrage over gas prices made for rich Republican fodder at a campaign announcement starring State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia). The senator, one of six Republicans who want to be governor, wants the legislature back in Springfield to do something about the gas tax. The state’s share had been 19 cents…… MORE
GOP Gov. Candidate Sullivan wants to defund teachers’ unions
One of the Republicans running for governor, Jesse Sullivan, told reporters in Springfield Tuesday he wants to defund teachers’ unions, partly by making it easier for teachers to opt out of teachers’ unions.… 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…