Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan will take the witness stand in his corruption trial – an unexpected revelation that will likely stretch the already lengthy trial into late January.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
Former Madigan aide testifies speaker had conflict of interest protocols
After more than two weeks off from the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, the jury returned to the courtroom Monday for what’s expected to be the final few days of defense witnesses before closing arguments.… MORE
Legislature approves bill to prioritize family members in foster care
A bill soon heading to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk would direct foster care officials to prioritize placing children with relatives.… MORE
Local journalism tax credit application window opens
News organizations in Illinois can now apply to receive tax credits for journalists that were on their payroll in 2024.… MORE
Task force recommends tornado shelters in warehouse following deadly 2021 storm
A task force created in the wake of a deadly Metro East tornado has issued recommendations for better protecting warehouse workers. … MORE
Nearly 300 new Illinois laws take effect in 2025
Time to study up, Illinois. When the clock hits midnight on New Year’s Day, 293 new state laws will take effect.… MORE
Illinois’ checkwriter-in-chief is ready to help you make a financial New Year’s resolution
Time to make resolutions – but Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza has some which won’t have you fighting a crowd at the gym.… MORE
Bill aims to reduce state requirements for name changes
Illinois lawmakers in early January could consider easing requirements for residents to change their names, a move proponents say will reduce risks for victims of domestic abuse, transgender residents and others.… MORE
State could adopt ‘kin-first’ approach to foster care
Illinois lawmakers could soon make it easier for children in foster care to live with their relatives or other people close to them.… MORE
Former Madigan ally contradicts past statements after being ordered to testify
A top federal prosecutor wasted no time Monday revealing to the jury in ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s trial that the latest witness the government called to the stand wasn’t there voluntarily.… 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…