Older drivers in Illinois could face fewer barriers to renew their driver’s licenses next year as part of a bill that would raise the age for the state-mandated annual driver’s test from 79 to 87.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
While deficit looms in next year’s budget, current-year revenues remain on track
Revenue returns remain on track halfway through Illinois’ budget year, though it’s next year that is causing concern in the Capitol. … MORE
Madigan leaves witness stand expressing regret for ‘any time spent with Danny Solis’
After Michael Madigan spent several hours facing blistering cross-examination in his federal corruption trial, the former Illinois House speaker on Tuesday made a rare candid remark about the yearslong investigation that landed him on the witness stand in a Chicago courtroom.… MORE
Illinoisans may be able to file federal taxes for free; state announces Apple ID licenses
Many Illinois residents will be able to use the IRS Direct File service to electronically prepare and file their 2024 federal tax returns for free.… MORE
Illinois Shelter Alliance calls for $100M state funding boost to fight homelessness
With homelessness increasing in Illinois, a coalition of shelter providers and advocates is calling for a $100 million increase in state funding to prevent homelessness and provide shelter to people without homes. … MORE
In contentious cross-examination, prosecutor accuses Madigan of not telling ‘the whole truth’
For nearly three months, government lawyers in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s federal corruption trial have tried to drill home the amount of control the longtime Democratic powerbroker wielded in Springfield.… MORE
Former IDPH head fined $150K, issues statement for ethical violations
Illinois’ former public health chief was fined $150,000 after admitting she violated the state’s Ethics Act by taking a job with a company that did business with the state.… MORE
Lawmakers ease requirements for those seeking to change their name
A measure awaiting Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature will help protect transgender people and victims of domestic violence who seek to change their names, according to its proponents. … MORE
Bills addressing warehouse quotas, nursing homes, prostitution pass in session’s final days
Lawmakers in Springfield approved a measure that aims to protect warehouse workers whose workdays center on hitting quotas. … MORE
Lawmakers give small boost to renewable developments, delay broader reform
Lawmakers this week passed a bill aimed at boosting the development of renewable energy generation, but its proponents said the final measure was a “skinny” version of what they had hoped to pass. … 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…