Illinoisans will soon be able to get contraceptives directly from pharmacists – without a doctor’s prescription.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
Illinois National Guard facing financial shortage
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – When the federal government needed the help and protection of the National Guard after the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection, the National Guard was there. Now that the Guard has burned through more than $500 million since then, the thank-you may come in the form of layoffs. “The threat to the…… MORE
Raoul: Just knowing your kids’ friends isn’t enough
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – A recent kidnapping investigation – in which a Springfield sex offender allegedly met a 13-year-old girl online, then brought her to Illinois from Georgia – gives us a chance to talk about how not to be a victim. Illinois attorney general Kwame Raoul says predators can have easy access to…… MORE
Butter cow sculpting underway at Illinois State Fair
The Illinois State Fair is just around the corner, and that means the sculpting of the state fair butter cow is underway.… MORE
State is encouraging colleges to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – The State Board of Higher Education is releasing updated COVID-19 guidance for colleges this fall. The goal is to make it a safe transition back to class by maintaining several protocols says board executive director Ginger Ostro. “The guidance here follows the recommendations from the CDC and IDPH to urge…… MORE
All aboard: Amtrak returns to full service across Illinois
Amtrak is back to full service in Illinois.… MORE
Illinois National Guard participating in Operation Cyber Shield
A test of the firewalls is on, as the Illinois National Guard is participating in Operation Cyber Shield. It’s a national exercise that’s in its second and final week.… MORE
Governor: No plans at this time to reinstate mask requirements
By IIS Radio CHICAGO – Gov. JB Pritzker says there are currently no plans to reinstate mask requirements in Illinois. Los Angeles County is once again requiring masks indoors and Las Vegas is recommending visitors there do the same whether they are vaccinated or not. Pritzker says he’s not looking to implement a mandate as of…… MORE
Illinois atop a list of best places for sustainability
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – An Illinois business leader is finding it easy to keep from getting overexcited about a new ranking that has the state Number One in the nation. Site Selection magazine rates Illinois tops in sustainable development, as businesses can easily find LEED-certified buildings and access renewable energy. “For the overall business…… MORE
Gov. Pritzker signs criminal justice bill; Republicans say it tells a different story
As Gov. JB Pritzker signed some criminal justice bills into law Thursday, Illinois House Republicans told a different story.… 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…