By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – 2022 will be a year of change in Illinois politics. The every-ten-years redistricting process will result in a new congressional map and new legislative maps, the latter already having been signed into law by the governor. There is also a later primary election date – June 28, to allow…… MORE
At the end of May, legislators in Springfield were able to preserve the biodiesel sales tax exemption, in what the top leader of the soybean association says will help farmers all across the state.… MORE
Parents — especially parents of babies — you’ll want to pay attention here.… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The timing of governor’s signing of a new law mandating Asian-American history be taught in Illinois classrooms is no coincidence. While the discussion has been ongoing, “it occurred to us that this was the best way for us to respond to the rise in anti-Asian hate and xenophobia that…… MORE
The child tax credit which is part of the American Rescue Plan begins Thursday, July 15.… MORE
Gov. JB Pritzker has three simple words for people who may be tempted to click on links they see in unfamiliar emails:… MORE
Gov. JB Pritzker Tuesday signed what he said was a comprehensive health care bill.… MORE
It’s advocacy with apple pie.… MORE
There’s no word on when – or even if – an energy bill will be ready for a General Assembly vote. Lawmakers were already in Springfield in mid-June, but no bill materialized.… MORE
The bond house Moody’s has put Illinois leaders into a good…mood.… MORE
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.” …
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…
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…
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…