The day after the second and final debate for the gubernatorial campaign Tuesday, State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) allowed himself a victory lap. He greeted supporters Wednesday at the Pizza Ranch, a Springfield buffet.… MORE
Category Archives: Politics
Second televised gubernatorial debate between Pritzker and Bailey
By Dave Dahl CHICAGO – It’s impossible to tell whether any minds were changed during Tuesday’s gubernatorial debate, the second and final statewide debate put on by Nexstar Broadcasting and aired on its stations around the state, including WMBD Channel 31 in the Bloomington area. When asked what he believes the phrase “Black lives matter”…… MORE
AT&T latest company caught up in a corruption scandal involving former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan
AT&T is the latest company caught up in a corruption scandal involving former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. … MORE
McLean County Board approves 4 solar power projects, rewards administrator with pay raise
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Board granted a special use permit for solar panels to be installed in Bloomington Township, and renewed permits for three other solar farms in the county. The board during its monthly meeting Thursday night also extended the contract of County Administrator Cassy Taylor for five years and…… MORE
McLean County Democrats support Unit 5 School District tax referendum
By 25 News NORMAL – The two major political parties in McLean County have now weighed in on a tax referendum for the county’s largest school district. McLean County Democrats meeting Tuesday night voted to accept the party’s executive committee recommendation urging voters to vote yes on the proposal, conflicting with the McLean County Republican…… MORE
Illinois judges have had enough of campaign attacks
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – They’re no Founding Fathers, but Illinois judges and lawyers are signing onto their own Declaration of Independence – judicial independence! Since they really cannot campaign on issues, they want to do more to set themselves apart from the mudslinging of other races – something that’s not happening now. “These partisan-driven…… MORE
First gubernatorial debate at Illinois State University
By Dave Dahl NORMAL – The first of two statewide televised debates had both camps declaring victory, as Gov. JB Pritzker and State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) met Thursday night at Illinois State University in Normal. Nexstar Broadcasting put on the debate, airing on tee vee stations that included WMBD Channel 31 in Peoria and…… MORE
Annual meeting of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Bipartisanship was practically oozing at the Illinois Chamber of Commerce annual meeting Thursday. House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweaked chamber president / CEO Todd Maisch just a little. “I want to remind folks I distinctly remember Todd offering some praise for the work that we did on our state budget,…… MORE
Illinois House speaker backs Safe-T Act
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The speaker of the Illinois House said Wednesday his political opponents want to sow fear and spread misinformation. Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) told the City Club of Chicago that the elimination of cash bail, effective Jan. 1, is a good thing. “Those who want to repeat the Safe-T Act, ask…… MORE
Former Illinois Governor endorses Brady
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Former Gov. Jim Edgar rarely endorses candidates anymore. The Republican lawmaker going for another of Edgar’s old jobs – secretary of state – is an exception. “Realistically,” Edgar told a crowded room at a Republican campaign office near the Capitol Thursday, State Rep. “Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) has the best chance…… 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…