Democratic congressman Eric Sorensen won a second term in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District in Tuesday’s election.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
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
Wiretaps show McClain arranging checks for Madigan loyalist fired after #MeToo allegations
Coverage of Thursday’s court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan.… MORE
State officials unveil new resource dedicated to helping people report hate crimes
With hate speech and hate crimes at an all-time high, according to FBI numbers cited by the Pritzker administration, a new state resource aims to connect victims with services and increase reporting of such acts.… MORE
Federal prosecutors will be on duty Election Day to hear complaints and fraud allegations
By WMBD-TV SPRINGFIELD – Federal prosecutors will be monitoring Election Day complaints and will be in communication with the Justice Department in Washington, D.C. The program is an practice that’s been in place for at least the last 20 years of presidential elections. U.S. Attorney Gregory Harris, who is top prosecutor for the Central District…… MORE
By the numbers: Unions lead the way on funding state elections in Illinois
This year in Illinois, there are no statewide elections. There are no fights over a Supreme Court seat. There are no constitutional amendments. At the Statehouse, more than half of general election races are uncontested. … 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…