By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – More people than you would probably guess are victims of domestic violence. Lt. Gov. Juliana Strattion runs down the numbers: “According to the Illinois Coalition against Domestic Violence, in 2019, there were 43,318 adult survivors of domestic violence living in Illinois. These survivors and their children received 52,000 hours of…… MORE
For a few minutes on Republican Day Thursday at the Illinois State Fair, the party’s “brand” was making fun of how Democrats look. … MORE
Three Republicans have declared for next June’s gubernatorial primary in Illinois. There could be more.… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Neither of Illinois’ two U.S. senators is blaming President Biden for the abrupt turn of events in Afghanistan. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) notes U.S. involvement started in the aftermath of 9/11. “Staying beyond that purpose has cost us dearly as a nation. But I’m not going to hold Joe…… MORE
By HOI ABC NORMAL – Opponents of alcohol sales at One Normal Plaza scored a partial victory Monday night, as the town council adopted an amended zoning code that does not include liquor or wine shops. The council also accepted plans for a downsized development in Uptown Normal which keeps a popular mural at its current…… MORE
By HOi ABC BLOOMINGTON – A narrow Bloomington City Council majority favors continued discussions about providing near-term financial help to flood victims even as elected leaders look at longer-term flood-related repairs costing many millions of dollars. At a committee-of-the-whole meeting Monday night, five of the nine council members backed Mollie Ward’s proposal directing staff to come…… MORE
Illinois is trying to strengthen its fight against Alzheimer’s disease, as part of a package of bills Gov. JB Pritzker signed Monday, Senior Day at the Illinois State Fair.… MORE
The Ward 6 vacancy to replace former Councilmember Jenn Carillo has is down to 10 applicants.… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The first Sunday of the Illinois State Fair’s run is the day to honor veterans. Gov. JB Pritzker signed seven veteran-friendly bills, from the creation of “Folds of Honor” license plates to expedition of professional certification for military spouses. Gold Star mother Theresa Palmer of Harristown, near Decatur, said her…… MORE
By HOI ABC NORMAL – A developer is scaling back plans for a major addition to Uptown Normal, and in doing so is willing to end a controversy by allowing a popular mural to stay at the site. The Normal Town Council is being asked to approve Bush Construction’s scaled-down version of Trail East, to be…… MORE
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.” …
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…
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…
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…