The current regional superintendent of schools for Madison County is putting his name in the growing field of possible Democrats to take on Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2018. … MORE
Category Archives: Politics
Pension reform tied to ‘grand bargain’ fails, package remains ‘under construction’
Like an engine that starts up but then sputters to a halt, votes on several of the bills part of the so-called “grand compromise” to end the budget impasse stopped after the pension reform measure failed Wednesday afternoon.… MORE
Rep. Davis: ‘Professional’ protests don’t foster dialogue
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis said he plans to hold a tele town hall in the coming weeks to address the concerns of some of his constituents, which he said is a better way to foster dialogue than the kind of protests which Illinois People’s Action staged outside his office on Tuesday.… MORE
Straw poll out for potential Democratic candidates
The Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association has released results of an early online straw poll on potential Democratic candidates for governor next year.… MORE
NCHS students ask LaHood to condemn immigration order
A group of local high school students wants U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Peoria) to condemn the president’s travel ban.… MORE
Bradley: Dems will fight Gorsuch, but won’t stop confirmation
Illinois State University legal scholar Bob Bradley said he expects President Donald Trump’s nominee to the Supreme Court Neil Gorsuch will win confirmation, but he expects Senate Democrats will try to turn the tables on the Democrats after President Barack Obama’s choice for the high court last year never got a hearing.… MORE
Illinois Democrats open door to input on gubernatorial candidates
Since U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin opted not to join the 2018 governor’s race, it’s been a muddled picture as far as who will seek the Democratic nomination and who could be a viable opponent to Bruce Rauner.… MORE
Mayoral candidate Fike wants to control city spending
A candidate for Bloomington mayor does not want to raise taxes, so he’ll look for cuts.… MORE
Dems, GOP chime in on State of the State address
Lawmakers from both sides of the isle offered thoughts on Gov. Bruce Rauner’s State of the State address.… MORE
Rauner hits familiar themes in State of the State address
Gov. Bruce Rauner touched on familiar themes in his State of the State address as he pushed for education funding changes, workers compensation reform, term limits and balancing the budget.… 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…