Gov. Bruce Rauner said the state’s institutions of higher learning are too top heavy and need to think strategically to bring costs down so any dollars they get from the state have the best impact on student outcomes.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
Minors could become organ donors with new bill
New legislation could allow 16 and 17-year-olds to become registered organ donors.… MORE
Warm weather prompts farmers to begin work
The spring-like weather in February and now March has allowed a number of farmers to get out and start working ground that has thawed, which is typically weeks from happening in Illinois.… MORE
Unused teacher sick time could cost taxpayers billions
It’s not just that teachers get paid for sick time they didn’t use while on the job. Nearly three-quarters of retired teachers in Illinois are cashing in on their unused sick days to fatten their pension.… MORE
Smartphone app might be best severe weather tool for stormy spring
Severe weather season in Illinois is off to a busy start, which emergency managers say makes it particularly critical that you’re prepared.… MORE
Attorney General: Consumer debt leads consumer complaints
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is announcing the top 10 consumer complaints her office receives.… MORE
Unemployment steady in Illinois in January
The Illinois unemployment rate held steady in January at 5.7 percent… MORE
Rauner seeks to stop hate crimes
Gov. Bruce Rauner is announcing new plans to step up the state’s efforts to fight hate crimes.… MORE
Illinois proposal would end statue of limitations on abuse crimes
Legislation in the Illinois Senate would give child sex abuse victims more time to report the crime.… MORE
Rauner says ACA changes won’t help Illinois
Washington D.C. Republicans are pressing for changes to the Affordable Care Act and Monday those members in Congress released a view of what should change.… 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…