It’s going to be up for a vote now, whether or not members of the state’s largest employee union want to strike. … MORE
Category Archives: State News
Bald eagles flocking to Illinois for winter
Bald eagles are flocking to Illinois this winter season, making the state a favorite for bird watchers while also providing an economic boost to local small border towns.… MORE
Former state senator: No love lost between Obama, Blagojevich
Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is asking President Obama to end his corruption sentence early. But one former Democratic state lawmaker thinks that’s probably too much to ask for.… MORE
Renting and owning tough in Illinois, study finds
In an effort to see if owning a home costs more than renting, a report found both are quickly becoming unaffordable in Illinois.… MORE
‘Scott’s Law’ expanded to cover stranded motorists
A relatively obscure law making motorists move over when passing emergency vehicles on the side of the road has become much broader.… MORE
Death rate from opioid overdoses rising in Illinois
Overdose deaths from opioids have seen an alarming increase in Illinois since 2008, and the Illinois Department of Public Health (DPH) believes it is vital to educate both the public and doctors about the epidemic to curb the problem.… MORE
Illinois Supreme Court hears hospital property tax case
The question about whether hospitals in Illinois can be exempt from paying property taxes if they claim a certain level of charity care is now up to the seven justices of the Illinois Supreme Court.… MORE
Illinois unveils 200th anniversary logo
The Illinois Bicentennial Commission is starting to make plans for the state’s 200th birthday.… MORE
Durbin touts BRIDGE Act to protect young people from deportation
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., has reached across the aisle for an ally in his effort to protect undocumented young people brought to the United States as children from deportation.… MORE
House rules give House Speaker great power
As the 100th General Assembly begins work, House Speaker Michael Madigan remains at the helm for the next term.… 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…