Most of the actors have changed recently, but it looks like the same movie to Illinois Republicans.… MORE
Category Archives: Politics
Illinois Senate Republicans push for independent mapmaking commission
The top Illinois Senate Republican says Gov. JB Pritzker ought to authorize an independent mapmaking commission.… MORE
Gov. Pritzker signs health care equity law
The fourth and final legislative “pillar” in the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus agenda is now law: equity in health care.… MORE
Bickering over redistricting continues
The release of those census numbers which show the state stands to lose a congressional seat has whetted the appetite of political Illinois to talk about the every-ten-years redistricting.… MORE
Bloomington’s mayor-elect deplores ‘racist’ remark against Alderwoman Carrillo
Bloomington’s incoming mayor said everyone in the community, not just Alderwoman Jenn Carrillo, should be held to a higher standard of civil discourse.… MORE
Bloomington City Council backs moratorium on utility shutoffs during pandemic
The Bloomington City Council is unified on the idea that utility companies should not turn off the lights or shut off gas for people struggling to pay their bills during the pandemic.… MORE
A panel of Senators hear ideas about Gov. Pritzker’s money-saving proposals
A panel of senators Friday took time to hear about some of the governor’s money-saving proposals. One idea, says budget director Alexis Sturm, is an early end to one benefit.… MORE
Illinois House passes bill to outlaw the release of 50 or more balloons
Up, up, and away? Not so fast.… MORE
Durkin: Supermajority Democrats are going back on their word to have a bipartisan redistricting process
Illinois Republicans say they do not trust the supermajority Democrats to do a fair job of redrawing legislative maps.… MORE
Taxpayers in Normal get the legal bill to probe council member’s discrimination allegations
The Town of Normal has received the bill for a Chicago-area law firm to investigate an elected official’s discrimination claims against the mayor and city manager.… 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…