Category Archives: Politics

Illinois Senate Republicans don’t want to repeal PNA

Illinois Senate Republicans don’t want to repeal PNA

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Illinois could be on the verge of enhancing its reputation as a haven for women who want to end their pregnancies. It’s possible lawmakers will try to repeal the state’s Parental Notice of Abortion act. State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) says that makes no sense. “To think that parents’ consent…MORE

Sen. Durbin on Colin Powell

Sen. Durbin on Colin Powell

By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – “An amazing person” is how Illinois’ senior U.S. Senator describes Gen. Colin Powell, who died earlier this week from COVID complications at the age of 84. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller. “The son of immigrants to the United States who decides he has a duty for…MORE

Congressional redistricting proposal for Illinois

Congressional redistricting proposal for Illinois

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – If you like to see strange shapes on a map, the new congressional redistricting proposal for Illinois is right up your alley. Calling it “one of the most incredible cartographic feats I’ve ever seen in the history of mapmaking,” State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) pointed out a district that runs…MORE

State’s Parental Notification Act could be brought up during this month’s veto session

State’s Parental Notification Act could be brought up during this month’s veto session

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – As reporters in Springfield tried to pin down Gov. Pritzker on whether he’ll try to repeal the state’s Parental Notification Act, U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) launched a passionate argument to repeal it. Abortion rights advocates believe repealing PNA would be a good response to Texas’ anti-abortion laws. As for…MORE

Duckworth: There’s work to be done

Duckworth: There’s work to be done

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) says Congress must pass an infrastructure bill, and crumbling roads and unsafe bridges are only part of the reason. “We can’t get grain down the Mississippi River fast enough to the southeastern parts of the United States,” Duckworth said. “States like South Carolina and Georgia…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…