State Sen. Sam McCann (R-Plainview) announced his plan Thursday to challenge Republican Governor Bruce Rauner and the Democratic nominee J.B. Pritzker in November’s general election as the Conservative Party nominee. … MORE
Category Archives: State News
Bicentennial voters pick Wrigley Field as state’s best building
Cubs’ fans win again.… MORE
Patti Blagojevich makes appeal direct to Trump on Fox News
Now that legal channels seem to be closed for ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich to appeal his corruption conviction, his wife took to Fox News to make a direct case for President Donald Trump’s help on a pardon or commutation of his sentence.… MORE
Planting efforts slow to start in Illinois due to cold
Nothing might be a slight over exaggeration when describing how much spring planting farmers have accomplished this year. But little has been done so far when it comes to corn planting, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. … MORE
Barickman optimistic about state budget talks
While some in Springfield worry about an election year hindering a state budget, State Senator Jason Barickman says the opposite may be true.… MORE
Rauner wants look at German education system
Gov. Bruce Rauner’s trade mission to eastern Europe is underway.… MORE
Synthetic marijuana mostly in Peoria, East Peoria and Chicago
Illinois has a serious problem with synthetic marijuana tainted with rat poison, but it is not a statewide problem.… MORE
Ball: Comptroller should be an experienced accountant
Claire Ball, libertarian candidate for Illinois comptroller, favors experience over politics.… MORE
Durbin, Duckworth: Syrian strike carried out ‘without congressional approval’
US Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois is suggesting President Trump ordered an air strike against Syria preemptively.… MORE
New plan would guarantee Illinois teacher pay starts at $40K a year
A new plan at the Illinois Capitol could require local school districts to give some teachers a raise, but doesn’t provide any additional funding to do so.… 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…