Adults 21 and older in Illinois can purchase, carry and privately consume cannabis in Illinois as the state ends prohibition, but there are still concerns from some in the law enforcement community.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
New law expected to increase the number of poker runs, raffles in Illinois
Expect more poker runs and raffles in Illinois in 2020 thanks to a new law that takes effect Jan. 1 allowing non-statewide law enforcement associations to conduct such events.… MORE
Food stamps in restaurants, gender-neutral bathrooms among 250 new laws coming to Illinois on Jan. 1
More than 250 laws take effect next month in Illinois, changing the rules for everything from vehicle trade-ins to bathroom signs.… MORE
Illinois’ population loss more than 51,000 in 2019, most in past decade
Illinois lost nearly 105,000 people in net domestic migration between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019, according to new numbers released Monday by the U.S. Census Bureau. In total, the Land of Lincoln lost on net 51,250 people, the largest annual population decline this decade.… MORE
AAA: Gas prices up, will decrease after holidays
The holiday season has brought a spike in gas prices.… MORE
Recreational cannabis days away, questions remain for Illinois gun owners
When Illinois’ recreational cannabis law goes into effect on Jan. 1, the Illinois State Police officials said the agency won’t revoke Firearm Owners’ Identification cards based solely on recreational use, but questions remain. … MORE
Wealth manager says Illinoisans should evaluate real estate investments heading into new year
With the end of year upon us, a wealth manager says it’s a good time to evaluate what you can do to maintain more of your wealth.… MORE
New laws in Illinois could affect 1 in 5 insurance plans
Of the more than 250 new laws that take effect New Year’s Day in Illinois, two deal with insurance coverage that could affect 20 percent of insurance plans statewide.… MORE
New laws, increased fines in 2020 for Illinois drivers
Several new and updated driving laws go into effect in Illinois on New Year’s Day.… MORE
Bloomington woman identified in fatal crash on city’s west side
McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder has identified a woman who died in a two-car crash Friday night.… 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…