Category Archives: Local News

Some Republicans say Illinois is losing the war on crime

Some Republicans say Illinois is losing the war on crime

Posted on January 6, 2022

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – State Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) says the word’s on the street – Illinois is soft on crime. “When the recent bail reform of 2017-18 went into effect,” the former Massac County prosecutor said at a House Republican news conference in Springfield Wednesday, “the individuals who were arrested quickly learned they…… MORE

Gov. Pritzker to work remotely following close contact with COVID-19

Gov. Pritzker to work remotely following close contact with COVID-19

Posted on January 6, 2022

By Neil Doyle CHICAGO – Following close contact Tuesday with a state employee who tested positive for COVID-19, Gov. JB Pritzker will work remotely out of an abundance of caution. According to a news release, the governor tested negative for COVID-19 as recently as Wednesday morning and is fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. The…… MORE

Illinois DCFS director mourns the loss of an investigator who was fatally stabbed

Illinois DCFS director mourns the loss of an investigator who was fatally stabbed

Posted on January 6, 2022

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – A news conference the day after a fatal stabbing – that killed an Illinois Department of Children and Family Services investigator near Springfield – offered little new information. What it did offer was DCFS director Marc Smith’s attempt to console Deidre Silas’ loved ones. “We’re not avoiding any responsibility,” Smith…… MORE

Katthoefer Animal Building closed at Miller Park Zoo

Katthoefer Animal Building closed at Miller Park Zoo

Posted on January 5, 2022

Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON-As COVID-19 cases continue to climb at an unprecedented rate, Miller Park Zoo has announced the closing of the Katthoefer Animal Building to the public for the second time in three months. Many of the cats are showing COVID-19 symptoms including Rilu, a male snow leopard, is struggling with Covid induced pneumonia. Jay…… 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…