The two largest privately owned water utilities in Illinois are seeking to raise rates for a combined 1.5 million customers around the state. … MORE
Category Archives: State News
Senator Durbin showing support for Pres. Biden to remain in the race
President Joe Biden returns to the campaign trail next week after battling a case of COVID-19.… MORE
Former Sangamon County Sheriff Deputy in court Thursday on July 3 murder charges
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – A former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy accused of first-degree murder was in court Thursday afternoon, a day after his indictment and arrest. Loved ones of Sonya Massey of Springfield would not comment after the hearing but applauded when Judge Ryan Cadigan ordered Sean Grayson, 30, held without bond. Prosecutors say…… MORE
Former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy faces murder charges in Springfield
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The July 6 shooting death by police of a 36-year-old Springfield woman has been ruled not justified. Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson is jailed on a five-count murder indictment and has been fired from his job. “Those of us who have been born and raised in Springfield know that…… MORE
Amid heavy rainfall in southern Illinois, Nashville dam system breached; hundreds evacuated
Two days of heavy rainfall caused water to overflow and breach the dams of Nashville’s city reservoir on Tuesday, resulting in extensive flooding and the evacuation of about 200 people from their homes in the small southern Illinois town of about 3,000 residents.… MORE
At national convention, Illinois’ beleaguered GOP portrays calm amid internal storm
Illinois Republicans appeared upbeat and optimistic as the GOP’s national convention got underway Monday, calling for unity and showing little sign of the internal party struggles that have been brewing for years. … MORE
US Rep. Sorensen says President Joe Biden should not run for reelection
In an emailed statement after President Joe Biden held court for more than an hour in a televised news conference, a Rockford Democrat is calling on him to drop out of the race for the White House.… MORE
Secretary of state offering Spanish translation for CDL written test
By WMBD-TV PEORIA – The Illinois secretary of state announced Monday that there will be a new version of the commercial driver’s license written test that residents can complete and land a job. According to a press release from the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State, Illinois residents can now take the written test…… MORE
Panel of Senators hear about Chicago transit issues
A panel of senators is hearing plenty about transit.… MORE
Former GOP state lawmaker, candidate for governor sentenced to 42 months in prison
Former Republican State Sen. Sam McCann on Tuesday was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for stealing nearly $700,000 in campaign funds and attempting to conceal his theft with false reports to state election authorities.… 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…