Congress has pulled back the reins on the Department of Justice’s notion that it should crack down on the medicinal marijuana industry.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
Gov. Rauner announces several appointments
Governor Bruce Rauner today announced he has made appointments and reappointments to the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board, the Illinois Human Rights Commission, the Illinois Criminal Justice Authority and the Civil Service Commission. … MORE
Illinois Senate passes measure limiting law enforcement’s authority to enforce immigration law
The Illinois Senate passed a measure onto the House that would allow Illinois law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration law only under certain circumstances.… MORE
School kids, State Farm workers show patriotism for Sgt. Rodgers
It’s Red, White, and Blue Day in Unit 5 and District 87 schools as kids and teachers were asked to wear their patriotic best Friday in memory of Sgt. Josh Rodgers, the Bloomington U.S. Army Ranger killed by small arms fire last week in Afghanistan.… MORE
Barickman to introduce school funding proposal
State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) is introducing an education funding proposal that he believes will draw support from both sides of the aisle.… MORE
Rauner: Persistence needed to change state business climate
Small Business Week is the latest reason for Governor Bruce Rauner to renew his call for a more business-friendly Illinois.… MORE
Sen. Durbin undergoes outpatient heart procedure
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois underwent an outpatient procedure in Chicago Tuesday for what his office said was a “common abnormal heart rhythm.” … MORE
Rauner asks court to allow firing of patronage hires
By Cole Lauterbach/Illinois Radio Network SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Bruce Rauner has asked a judge to allow him to fire a number of public union employees he says were illegally hired by Gov. Pat Quinn. Rauner is asking a judge to agree with his thought that union protection shouldn’t apply to politically placed employees who were…… MORE
Illinois activates emergency operations center to assist flood victims
Gov. Bruce Rauner is activating the state’s emergency operations center to help flooded communities.… MORE
Spring blooms abound at Humiston Woods
Springtime is a colorful one for Humiston Woods, located northwest of Pontiac.… 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…