Illinois’ top election official, ensnared in a computer misadventure, is retiring.… MORE
Category Archives: Politics
Sen. Durbin calls problems at southern border “heartbreaking”
As thousands of unaccompanied children arrive at the southern border, Illinois’ Senior Senator says the problem is “serious” and “heartbreaking.”… MORE
Bloomington’s elected leaders eye support for utility shutoff moratorium
A Bloomington alderman says it’s too soon for utility companies to turn off the lights or the gas for customers unable to pay their bills.… MORE
Carrillo defiant as city council formally reprimands her for lashing out at election victors
Bloomington Alderwoman Jenn Carrillo has received a formal rebuke from the city council, but she’s standing by controversial remarks she said on election night that earned her the censure.… MORE
Group representing cities, towns, and villages of Illinois is out with its 2021 wish list
The group which represents the cities, towns, and villages of Illinois is out with its 2021 wish list. And the priorities, says Illinois Municipal League executive director Brad Cole, are pretty much the same as in the past few years. … MORE
Bloomington Council majority backs special session to consider possible Carrillo censure
A special meeting is set for Monday as the Bloomington City Council considers a formal reprimand of Alderwoman Jenn Carrillo for berating two incoming council members on social media.… MORE
Speaker Welch calling in grief counselors for lawmakers who have trouble dealing with the death of Adam Toledo
The Speaker of the Illinois House says grief counselors will be available at the Capitol next week for lawmakers and staff who have trouble dealing with the death of Adam Toledo, 13, whose shooting death by Chicago police is now on video for the world to see.… MORE
McLean County Board’s only Asian says board hasn’t done enough to fight anti-Asian bias
The only Asian and person of color on the McLean County Board scolded some fellow board members Thursday night for not speaking out against discrimination and increasing violence against Asians.… MORE
Union members and top lawmakers rallied at the Capitol for fairness
It was Union Yes, Paying People under the Table No outside the Capitol Thursday morning.… MORE
Term-limit bill has passed the House Executive Committee
Fans of term limits have some good news here.… 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…