Category Archives: Scott Laughlin

Trump comments show local GOP divide

Trump comments show local GOP divide

President Trump’s recent comments spreading the blame for the recent violence in Charlottesville, Va. has shown a divide among local Republicans.MORE

McLean County GOP chairman backs Trump comments on violence

McLean County GOP chairman backs Trump comments on violence

McLean County Republican Party Chairman Chuck Erickson went to social media to defend President Donald Trump’s comments blaming both white supremacists and counter protesters for violence in Charlottesville, Virg. last weekend.MORE

Sen. Brady: Dems lack support to override education bill veto

Sen. Brady: Dems lack support to override education bill veto

While Illinois schools are likely to get IOUs instead of state budget payments this week, the state legislative leaders are still bargaining over a possible school funding compromise after Gov. Bruce Rauner’s amendatory veto of Senate Bill 1.MORE

St. Jude telethon, run embarks on 40th year

St. Jude telethon, run embarks on 40th year

It’s been 40 years since the first runners raised money for the St. Jude by embarking on a near-500 mile trek from the Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis to Peoria as part of an annual telethon.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…