Illinois’ newest candidate for governor is trying to explain who he isn’t.… MORE
Category Archives: Politics
Illinois House passes big energy bill
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – That big energy bill has finally come together in Springfield. Fossil fuels would be on their way out in favor of wind and solar. Backers say it puts Illinois to a clean energy future. State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) says the bill’s no good for the city-owned coal utility here.…… MORE
Panel backs plans for truck stop, RV park in north Normal despite signage concerns
By HOI ABC NORMAL – Planners support a proposed truck stop and RV park in north Normal, but they’re not in favor of allowing builders to put up a sign that would soar above Interstate 55. Normal Planning Commissioners Thursday evening voted unanimously for rezoning 30.5 acres of farmland to build Loves Truck Stop and RV…… MORE
Illinois House lawmakers debating clean energy proposal
House lawmakers are discussing a new clean energy proposal.… MORE
Former Governor Bruce Rauner back in Springfield for a visit
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – He is not governor anymore and does not even live in Illinois anymore. But Bruce Rauner does visit Springfield occasionally to see friends and go hunting – doves, this week. In what he says is his first interview since leaving office in 2019, he tells WJBC News why he thinks…… MORE
Statue of Ronald Reagan could join others outside the statehouse
A young Abraham Lincoln stands watch over Second Street in front of the state Capitol, but he was not born in Illinois. Ronald Reagan was. And it’s possible a young Reagan could join Lincoln and others outside the statehouse.… MORE
Republicans call for ethics reform
Illinois House Republicans say the supermajority Democrats’ game on ethics is like Mother Hubbard’s cupboard — empty.… MORE
Liquor sales to be allowed at publicly-owned Normal Theater and outdoor events in Uptown
By HOI ABC NORMAL – The Normal Town Council is making changes to its liquor code to allow alcohol to be served at the publicly owned Normal Theater and for outdoor events in Uptown. The council voted 6-1 favoring the changes. Council member Stan Nord voted no, claiming the town might face exposure in alcohol-related lawsuits…… MORE
Former Illinois Sen. Adlai Stevenson III dies at age 90
By HOI ABC CHICAGO – Former U.S. Senator Adlai Stevenson III, whose family has roots in Bloomington-Normal, has died at his Chicago home. He was 90. Stevenson is the son of former Illinois Gov. Adlai Stevenson, two time Democratic presidential candidate, and United Nations ambassador Adlai Stevenson II, who was raised in Bloomington . The former…… MORE
A new plan to phase out fossil fuels could come out of the Illinois House session
A plan to phase out fossil fuels, promote renewable energy, and create jobs could come out of the Illinois House session Thursday. But not everybody is that optimistic.… 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…