The new adjutant general of the Illinois National Guard is the first person of color to lead the organization.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
Republicans in Illinois General Assembly are calling ‘shenanigans’
Once again, Republicans in the Illinois General Assembly are calling ‘shenanigans.”… MORE
Proposal to recommend relaxation time for students progresses in IL statehouse
By WMBD-TV SPRINGFIELD – Students across Illinois may start learning new relaxation techniques in the classroom to lower their stress levels. A bill moving in the state capitol aims to lower students’ stress by encouraging school districts to have at least 20 minutes of instruction on relaxation activities each week. Suggested activities in the bill include mindful-based…… MORE
State leaders remember police officers killed in the line of duty
Seeing her dead daughter on a metal table was not the worst thing that’s happened to Elizabeth French.… MORE
New addition to the presidential museum in Springfield
Something new – or, rather, something more than 160 years old – will be on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield.… MORE
First West Nile virus positive bird found in Illinois
A bird in Douglas County has tested positive West Nile virus, making it the first positive case in Illinois this year.… MORE
Rally in Springfield urges lawmakers to commit to anti-violence legislation
Perhaps a couple hundred orange-shirted demonstrators cheered, chanted, and heard from lawmakers that included State Sen. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago).… MORE
Proposed Chicago Bears stadium seems to be a long shot without Springfield support
A proposed Chicago Bears stadium could be a long shot without the backing of Governor Pritzker and Springfield leaders. … MORE
Illinois gun owners host annual gathering in Springfield
The annual march from Springfield BOS Center to the Capitol was more than 1,000 strong – to show support of the Second Amendment.… MORE
Anti-Semitism on the rise across the state
Anti-Semitism is not just going up in Illinois – it’s going up and up, according to the organization which keeps track.… 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…