The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends that pregnant women get the COVID-19 vaccine.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
New report details the economic impact of community colleges in Illinois
A new report looks at the economic impact of community colleges in Illinois.… MORE
IDPH reports the first human case of rabies in Illinois since 1954
By WJBC Staff SPRINGFIELD – The State Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting the first human case of rabies in Illinois since 1954. A Lake County man in his 80’s woke up back in Aug. to find a bat on his neck. The bat was captured and tested positive for rabies. The man refused…… MORE
Lawmakers hear testimony from a U of I professor about social media disinformation
The power of social media can take the “shout fire in a movie theatre” cliche and send it worldwide in an instant.… MORE
Sen. Durbin blaming Republicans for blocking debt ceiling measure
With a three-week deadline looming to address the nation’s debt ceiling, Illinois’ Senior Senator is pointing his finger at Republicans after a vote to pass the measure failed on Monday night.… MORE
Rep. Davis: “I think Gov. Pritzker is going to be a one-term governor”
Illinois lawmakers have yet to draw up the every-ten-years redistricting map for congressional seats. Until they do, U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) will be waiting.… MORE
Governor Pritzker signs new legislative district maps
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker Friday again signed a redistricting bill, and Republicans again said he’s a promise-breaker. That’s because lawmakers, rather than, for example, an independent commission, are the mapmakers. State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield), minority spokesman on the House Redistricting Committee, says one result is that many Republicans in the…… MORE
State lawmakers get an update from IDES on data breach and fraudulent claims
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Thursday was a day for lawmakers to replay the game films of the Illinois Department of Employment Security’s data breach and massive fraud in the early weeks of the pandemic. It was not difficult to discern where State Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) stands on the Pritzker administration’s performance. “When Gov.…… MORE
IDPH encouraging Illinoisans to get the flu vaccine
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reminds people to get their annual flu shot.… MORE
State Sen. Barickman working with Illinois Opportunity Project to launch recall provision
Here’s a chance to tell your elected officials, “You’re Fired!” without waiting for the next election. … 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…