The new federal budget, passed Thursday, includes “member initiatives,” also known as “earmarks.”… MORE
Category Archives: Politics
State lawmakers want higher salaries for people who help the disabled
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Some of Illinois’ home healthcare workers say they are overdue for a raise. Direct support personnel (DSP’s) who work in the homes of the disabled want another $3.50 per hour. “As a former healthcare worker,” State Rep. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) said at a statehouse news conference Wednesday, “I know exactly…… MORE
Former Illinois House Speaker pleads not guilty in the first court hearing
Michael Madigan and longtime colleague Michael McClain pled not guilty in arraignment hearings over the phone Wednesday.… MORE
House Republicans say it’s past time for Illinois to stand up for Ukraine
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Republicans in the Illinois House say they want to respond to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Citing a large Ukrainian population in the state, Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) says the state must get involved. “Our role,” Durkin told a statehouse news conference Tuesday, “is to restrict Russia’s interest…… MORE
Illinois lawmakers are no longer required to wear a mask on the floor of their respected chambers
SPRINGFIELD – Let the unmasking begin.… MORE
Republican candidates running as a statewide “slate” tour central Illinois
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Criticized for not facing reporters, the Republican “slate” of candidates sponsored by Chicago billionaire Ken Griffin is now changing that. Following a Springfield rally Monday evening, Aurora mayor Richard Irvin – running for governor – was asked about his previous support for Democrats. “That’s exactly what (Gov.) JB Pritzker wants…… MORE
Heated clash as Normal Town Council narrowly approves water rake hike, budget
By HOI ABC NORMAL – Water rates will rise in Normal and town government has a budget for the new fiscal year, but votes on both measures were by the narrowest of margins following a heated clash between a town council member and the city manager. The council voted 4-3 to raise water rates by…… MORE
First day to file petitions at Illinois State Board of Elections
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – With all the people and cars at a Springfield strip mall Monday morning, you would have thought Chuck E. Cheese was offering breakfast, or that there was a run on title loans. Neither would be correct. The shopping center houses the Illinois State Board of Elections, where candidates must turn…… MORE
New book about former Speaker Madigan comes out in late March
Right about now, Ray Long probably wishes he could add another chapter to his book.… MORE
Governor reacts to Mike Madigan indictment
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Now that former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan has been indicted, questions continue about a special investigative committee convened in 2020. The committee, chaired by then-State Rep. and now Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside), dissolved without making any findings and without even hearing from Madigan. In DeKalb Thursday, a reporter asked…… 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…