By WJBC Staff BLOOMINGTON – Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards and learner’s permits are being extended until July 31. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits, according to a news release. Customers who must visit a facility include…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Some of Illinois’ home healthcare workers say they are overdue for a raise. Direct support personnel (DSP’s) who work in the homes of the disabled want another $3.50 per hour. “As a former healthcare worker,” State Rep. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) said at a statehouse news conference Wednesday, “I know exactly…… MORE
By Dave Dahl The widespread job openings in public education have been a big story for a long time in Illinois. Lt Gov Juliana Stratton says it’s going to take a long time to fix and she also wants to keep Illinois high school graduates in Illinois. “The reason why I am on this statewide…… MORE
Survey says: Illinoisans support education.… MORE
Michael Madigan and longtime colleague Michael McClain pled not guilty in arraignment hearings over the phone Wednesday.… MORE
Packages of anti-Semitic literature are targeting Illinois Jews.… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Republicans in the Illinois House say they want to respond to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Citing a large Ukrainian population in the state, Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) says the state must get involved. “Our role,” Durkin told a statehouse news conference Tuesday, “is to restrict Russia’s interest…… MORE
Now it’s the hotel industry’s turn to ask for pandemic relief. … MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Criticized for not facing reporters, the Republican “slate” of candidates sponsored by Chicago billionaire Ken Griffin is now changing that. Following a Springfield rally Monday evening, Aurora mayor Richard Irvin – running for governor – was asked about his previous support for Democrats. “That’s exactly what (Gov.) JB Pritzker wants…… MORE
For people like Patricia Johnson of Chicago, retirement does not pay all that well.… 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…