2018’s first crop yield forecast is out, and it’s a positive one for Illinois.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
Misuse of statewide database trickles down to Bloomington
Questions about a local chief’s use of a statewide police database to look up critics of the mayor once again raised questions about abuse of the Illinois State Police system.… MORE
State Fair showcases Bicentennial Stamp
The U.S. Postal Service wants to claim its share of Illinois State Fair limelight, which is why it used the fair’s post office to unveil a stamp which has been in circulation for five months.… MORE
‘Nut Cases’ on the Ballot
Illinois’ Number One Republican, Gov. Rauner, says it’s not his fault some unusual characters, whom the party is disavowing, are on the ballot in two U.S. House races this fall.… MORE
Governor cuts ribbon to open Illinois State Fair
Let the 2018 Illinois State Fair begin!… MORE
Weaver supports term limits in Illinois
State Senator Chuck Weaver of Peoria says he does not support term limits anywhere other than in Illinois.… MORE
Warmer temperatures growing encouragement for local farmers
Illinois farmers this past week saw temperatures return to average, as the good news continues from the USDA’s weekly crop report.… MORE
Bow hunters seeking land have options in IDNR program
As hunting season draws near the Illinois Department of Natural Resources wants to connect bow hunters to land owners.… MORE
GOP attorney general hopeful stays out of local immigration debate
The so-called ‘welcoming’ resolution to calm deportation fears of undocumented immigrants divided the Bloomington City Council, and the Republican running for Illinois Attorney General won’t offer an opinion on the issue that’s dividing local leaders.… MORE
Restaurateurs crafting special beer for firefighters
Springfield restaurateurs Court and Karen Conn were out of the country in late April, when an early-morning fire damaged the beer garden of their popular downtown microbrewery, Obed and Isaac’s.… 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…