Here’s a chance to tell your elected officials, “You’re Fired!” without waiting for the next election. … MORE
Category Archives: Politics
Normal council approves truck stop and variance for sign to soar above I-55
By HOI ABC NORMAL – Elected leaders have given final government approval for a Love’s truck stop and RV park in north Normal, and builders are also being allowed to put up a sign that’s much higher than permitted in the town’s code. The Normal Town Council approved plans to rezone 30.5 acres of farmland to…… MORE
U.S. Sen. Durbin calling on Illinoisans to get vaccinated
Helping host U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) at a parking-lot vaccination clinic, Sangamon County Board of Health president Dr. Brian Miller said the pandemic could have been far worse once Delta arrived.… MORE
Illinois lawmakers get an update on nursing homes
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Helping kick off a series of legislative hearings about nursing homes – eighteen months into the pandemic – State Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago) hardly sounded a vote of confidence. “We need to encourage more seniors to stay in their homes,” said Flowers. “The assisted living facilities (are) not a safe…… MORE
Gov. Pritzker signs clean energy bill into law
Gov. JB Pritzker is signing a clean energy bill into law that he says makes Illinois a national leader.… MORE
Illinois General Assembly rule-making panel frustrated with Illinois State Board of Education
Members of a bipartisan, bicameral rule-making panel in the Illinois General Assembly might be forgiven for sounding a little frustrated with the Illinois State Board of Education.… MORE
Bloomington council extends city’s utility shutoff ban to October 1, also back higher cost for O’Neil Park upgrades
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington’s ban on utility shutoffs will continue until October 1 following city council action Monday night. Aldermen voted unanimously to extend the moratorium a couple more weeks for people who are late paying their bills for water and other services because of pandemic-related financial hardships. Council member Tom Crumpler initially suggested…… MORE
Senate passes energy legislation to use wind and solar power and phase out fossil fuels
The energy legislation which finally passed the legislature Monday could be an example of a debate which leaves you wondering if the lawmakers are talking about the same bill.… MORE
Attorney General Raoul launching new task force to stop organized retail theft
Attorney General Kwame Raoul is announcing a new task force to fight organized retail crime.… MORE
City proposal extends Bloomington’s ban on utility shutoffs until end of September
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – The latest surge in COVID-19 cases is prompting City of Bloomington staff to recommend a continuation of its ban on utility shutoffs. City aldermen Monday night are being asked to extend the ban until the end of this month, but staffers said it’s likely to be the last “blanket moratorium” even…… 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…