Several local groups supporting immigrants’ rights are coming forward to pressure Bloomington city leaders to restart discussions about a welcoming city ordinance.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
McLean County GOP chair seeks unity after primary battles
Republicans have no choice but to unify despite contentious primary races for governor and a local state house seat, according to the head of McLean County’s GOP.… MORE
Harold, Raoul to vie for Illinois Attorney General
Illinois will get its second African American attorney general in state history after this fall’s general election. State Sen. Kwame Raoul and former Miss America Erika Harold will face off in November.… MORE
Rauner, Rep. Brady fend off primary challenges, newcomer ousts County Board veteran
It will be a billionaire businessman challenging incumbent Governor Bruce Rauner in November. … MORE
McLean County voter turnout seen at about 30 percent, close to 2014
McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael said she’s surprised there isn’t bigger turnout because of intense media attention to some of the contested races.… MORE
Retailers, agencies rail against proposed independent sales tax audit
The state’s retailers are coming out strong against a measure at the statehouse they say could mean confidential business information ends up in the hands of competitors. … MORE
Illinois showcases bicentennial beer
Illinois is brewing up excitement for the bicentennial celebration.… MORE
Senate to review pension reform legislation
A state Senator who plans to retire soon says lawmakers have to lead the way on pension and retiree benefit reforms.… MORE
Election reform group: Illinois unique in voters publicly declaring party affiliation at polling place
Be prepared to publicly declare a political party in front of the election judges, and others in line, when you go to vote in Illinois’ primary Tuesday.… MORE
Illinois opens bicentennial coin contest
The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is offering an opportunity for Illinois residents to showcase their artistic abilities by entering a statewide contest to design the 2018 Bicentennial Medallion.… 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…