U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen wants to put a few things in the forefront for the 17th District following his successful reelection bid.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
Early results show Democrats likely to maintain supermajorities in Illinois General Assembly
Preliminary, unofficial election results show no seats in the state House or Senate have changed party hands, although a few races remained too close to call according to the Associated Press. … MORE
‘They were being paid as a favor to Mike Madigan’: Feds’ star witness takes stand
As chief lobbyist for electric utility Commonwealth Edison, Fidel Marquez had an expansive role that put him in charge of “approximately 130, 135 people.”… MORE
UIS Professor: President-elect Donald Trump’s strengths connected with voters
A University of Illinois Springfield political science professor said too much was going against Vice President Kamala Harris Tuesday.… MORE
Illinois’ 17th District Congressional seat stays with Sorensen
Democratic congressman Eric Sorensen won a second term in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District in Tuesday’s election.… MORE
Jury sees more evidence surrounding payments to Madigan campaign worker ousted for sexual harassment
On the eve of his retirement announcement in late 2016, longtime Statehouse lobbyist Mike McClain wrote letters to longtime colleagues, expressing his appreciation for them.… MORE
Pritzker’s budget office projects $3.2B deficit in early look at upcoming fiscal year
Despite string of recent surpluses, report could foreshadow challenging budget year By JERRY NOWICKICapitol News [email protected] The first extensive public look at next year’s state finances contains a warning to lawmakers from the governor’s office: “The ability to fund new programs will be severely limited” next fiscal year. That comes from the Governor’s Office of…… MORE
Illinois Lottery has record-setting year for 50th anniversary
By WMBD-TV CHICAGO – As Illinois Lottery celebrated its 50th year of operation, it also celebrated its third straight record-setting year. They reported $3.86 billion in sales and proceeds of $883.6 million, which both beat last year’s numbers. There were also five multi-state jackpots that paid out over $1 billion, which is the first time…… MORE
Statewide effort planned to boost student math scores
Illinois education officials plan to launch a statewide initiative over the next several months aimed at boosting student performance in math.… MORE
Utility assistance applications open for low-income Illinoisans
The state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is accepting applications for all households beginning Friday, Nov. 1. … 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…