A new mobile app, lower fees, and management by TIAA are the changes to the state’s 529 college savings program, Bright Start, announced Thursday by the treasurer’s office.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
Calculated bribe or ‘kiss up’ to Madigan? Corruption trial kicks off for former AT&T boss
As the federal corruption trial of former AT&T Illinois president Paul La Schiazza formally kicked off on Wednesday, prosecutors and defense attorneys painted two very different pictures of a political hire the telecom giant made in 2017.… MORE
Secretary of State announces digital wallet payments at Illinois DMVs
By WJBC Staff CHICAGO – DMVs throughout Illinois are now accepting contactless payments as part of the Secretary of State’s push to modernize technology and offer more convenient service for customers. “Allowing for digital wallet payments like Apple, Google and Samsung Pay reinforces our steadfast commitment to improving the customer experience at the DMV by…… MORE
Supreme Court hears cases pertaining to detention under the SAFE-T Act
The Illinois Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a pair of cases that test the authority of local courts to hold criminal suspects behind bars while they await trial.… MORE
Jury selection begins in trial of former AT&T Illinois boss accused of bribing Madigan
Jury selection is set to begin Tuesday in the trial of former AT&T Illinois president Paul La Schiazza, who federal prosecutors allege bribed once-powerful Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in exchange for favorable legislation in Springfield.… MORE
Over 180 electric vehicle charging ports to be built along Illinois interstates
Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation announced Monday that the state will be investing $25.3 million in electric vehicle charging stations.… MORE
East St. Louis forum to tackle persistent childhood poverty
Illinois has the potential to eradicate childhood poverty, but it will require a concentrated, sustained effort in partnership with families and disadvantaged communities, says Tasha Green Cruzat, president of Children’s Advocates for Change, a Chicago-based nonprofit focused on childhood wellbeing.… MORE
Coroner’s affidavit shows as many as 800 human remains could have been misidentified
As many as 800 families across the country who patronized a Carlinville funeral home may never know if the remains on their mantles belong to their loved ones, according to an affidavit signed by Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon.… MORE
Federal judge rejects Illinois’ bid to end court oversight of disability programs
A federal judge on Friday denied Illinois’ request to end court oversight of its disability services. … MORE
Report shows Illinois union participation declining despite growth in new petitions
Overall participation in labor unions has declined in recent years in Illinois, although the state has seen an increase in successful unionization efforts for the second year in a row. … 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…