The state Senate’s so-called grand bargain of interconnected bills unveiled earlier this year as a way to end the long-standing budget impasse is set to now be separated, not interconnected.… MORE
The state Senate’s so-called grand bargain of interconnected bills unveiled earlier this year as a way to end the long-standing budget impasse is set to now be separated, not interconnected.… MORE
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois said the report that President Donald Trump shared highly classified information with the Russian government is ‘absolutely stunning.’… MORE
In a ranking of the best states to be in law enforcement, Illinois is near the top.… MORE
With the president’s new Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue confirmed and the signing of an executive order setting up sweeping changes to how farmers are regulated, Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Governmental Affairs Adam Nielsen said Trump likely will be good for the Illinois farmer.… MORE
Illinois’ treasurer places most the blame for the state’s budget impasse on the governor, but the governor’s office says the chief executive can’t balance the budget on his own.… MORE
Despite there being no formal proposal to increase the state’s motor fuel tax, discussions at the statehouse are under way.… MORE
By Greg Bishop/Illinois Radio Network SPRINGFIELD – It’s been more than 22 months since Illinois has had a full-year’s budget, and how much, if at all, lawmakers want to raise taxes is central to the ongoing debate on a full-year spending plan. Lawmakers have until the end of the month to pass a budget with…… MORE
Bloomington-Normal stands to see a pick-up in economic activity as State Farm shuts down 11 offices nationwide and moves about 42-hundred jobs to other locations, including its corporate headquarters here.… MORE
A National Guardsman from Bloomington is focused on his task in Afghanistan even as he pays tribute to local U.S. Army Ranger Josh Rodgers, who lost his life there last month.… MORE
It’s on to the governor’s desk with a bill to allow state tax dollars to fund abortions where a likely veto awaits .… MORE
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.” …
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…
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…
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…