A new report says Illinois Democrats, largely under former Gov. Pat Quinn, filled a state agency with hundreds of illegal political hires.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
United Way looks for donations for upcoming Trunkin’ Treasure
By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News The United Way of Livingston County will have a booth set up for the Trunkin’ Treasure event, happening during Red Carpet Corridor weekend May 6 and 7 and they are looking for assistance from the community. Executive Director Deb Howard has more information about how you can help. “We are going…… MORE
Hundreds attend People’s Climate March in Washington, D.C.
As President Trump reached 100 days in office, hundreds of Americans met in the streets of Washington, D.C. to voice concerns about the legitimacy and dangers of climate change.… MORE
Illinois lawmakers hear from Colorado legal weed regulator about recreational pot
Illinois lawmakers are learning more about what it takes to legalize marijuana for recreational use from the state that pioneered it – Colorado.… MORE
Illinois rescinds layoff notices for prison nurses
Illinois House Republicans say the governor’s office is rescinding layoff notices for more than 120 nurses at the Illinois Department of Corrections.… MORE
Local leaders mourn soldier’s sacrifice
State Representative Dan Brady of Bloomington will lead House colleagues in a moment of silence Friday to honor Bloomington soldier Josh Rodgers who was killed this week while fighting ISIS in Afghanistan.… MORE
State retirement system board strips Hastert of pension benefits
He was convicted of violating banking laws in an alleged sex abuse hush money case and now he’s not going to get any money from his state pensions.… MORE
Illinois agriculture ready for trade certainty under new USDA secretary
Illinois’ agriculture industry is ready for some security in foreign markets with the confirmation of Sonny Perdue as the nation’s agriculture secretary.… MORE
Rep. Brady: Most constituents against Medicaid-funded abortions
State Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) voted against a bill to allow abortions to be funded through Medicaid and state employee health insurance, saying that aligns with what he hears most in his district.… MORE
Rauner in Bloomington touts anti-tax stance amid impasse
As Illinois remained locked in a budget stalemate, Gov. Bruce Rauner visited a Bloomington employer Tuesday to talk about his efforts to fuel economic growth and job creation.… 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…