Gov. JB Pritzker is signing a clean energy bill into law that he says makes Illinois a national leader.… MORE
Category Archives: Politics
Illinois General Assembly rule-making panel frustrated with Illinois State Board of Education
Members of a bipartisan, bicameral rule-making panel in the Illinois General Assembly might be forgiven for sounding a little frustrated with the Illinois State Board of Education.… MORE
Bloomington council extends city’s utility shutoff ban to October 1, also back higher cost for O’Neil Park upgrades
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington’s ban on utility shutoffs will continue until October 1 following city council action Monday night. Aldermen voted unanimously to extend the moratorium a couple more weeks for people who are late paying their bills for water and other services because of pandemic-related financial hardships. Council member Tom Crumpler initially suggested…… MORE
Senate passes energy legislation to use wind and solar power and phase out fossil fuels
The energy legislation which finally passed the legislature Monday could be an example of a debate which leaves you wondering if the lawmakers are talking about the same bill.… MORE
Attorney General Raoul launching new task force to stop organized retail theft
Attorney General Kwame Raoul is announcing a new task force to fight organized retail crime.… MORE
City proposal extends Bloomington’s ban on utility shutoffs until end of September
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – The latest surge in COVID-19 cases is prompting City of Bloomington staff to recommend a continuation of its ban on utility shutoffs. City aldermen Monday night are being asked to extend the ban until the end of this month, but staffers said it’s likely to be the last “blanket moratorium” even…… MORE
Jesse Sullivan announces candidacy for Gov., the fourth person to declare for 2022 Republican primary
Illinois’ newest candidate for governor is trying to explain who he isn’t.… MORE
Illinois House passes big energy bill
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – That big energy bill has finally come together in Springfield. Fossil fuels would be on their way out in favor of wind and solar. Backers say it puts Illinois to a clean energy future. State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) says the bill’s no good for the city-owned coal utility here.…… MORE
Panel backs plans for truck stop, RV park in north Normal despite signage concerns
By HOI ABC NORMAL – Planners support a proposed truck stop and RV park in north Normal, but they’re not in favor of allowing builders to put up a sign that would soar above Interstate 55. Normal Planning Commissioners Thursday evening voted unanimously for rezoning 30.5 acres of farmland to build Loves Truck Stop and RV…… MORE
Illinois House lawmakers debating clean energy proposal
House lawmakers are discussing a new clean energy proposal.… 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…