Category Archives: State News

Big Energy enters “clean energy” debate

Big Energy enters “clean energy” debate

It sure sounds like there’s a lot riding on a “clean energy” bill, with the likes of Ameren Illinois president and chairman Richard Mark using his time to talk to state senators about it.MORE

Juneteenth could be state holiday

Juneteenth could be state holiday

Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery on June 19, 1865, would become a state holiday in Illinois, under a bill which has passed a committee.MORE

Gov. Pritzker receives COVID-19 vaccine

Gov. Pritzker receives COVID-19 vaccine

Gov. JB Pritzker Wednesday added himself to the more than five million Illinoisans vaccinated against COVID-19. He said about two-thirds of Illinoisans age 65 and up – and almost a third of Illinoisans sixteen and up – have been jabbed.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…