If everything goes as planned, Gov. JB Pritzker can look at Thursday as a big, big step forward.… MORE
Category Archives: Politics
Normal Town Council violated ‘Open Meetings Act’ twice in 2019, Attorney General says
For the second time, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office has found the Normal Town Council violated the state’s Open Meetings Act for limiting public comment at council meetings in 2019.… MORE
House Republicans introduce “Reimagine Illinois”
Illinois House Republicans have brought out some favorite concepts – ethics, balanced budgets, jobs, and public safety – and put new wrapping paper on them.… MORE
Gov. Pritzker to release reopening plan later this week
Expect more information about the way out of the coronavirus crucible soon. … MORE
Illinois House Veterans Affairs Committee discusses COVID
Lawmakers on a veterans affairs committee said if a senior medical officer had some domain over the state veterans’ homes, maybe that system would be doing better.… MORE
Despite objection, council backs former member’s Normal Planning Commission appointment
A former Normal Town Council member, defeated for reelection two years ago, is returning to government service over the objection of a current council member.… MORE
Inclusion playground eyed for Bloomington’s west side, city council reviews O’Neil Pool plans
The Bloomington City Council heard about two west side parks projects, including plans for the city’s second inclusion playground where all kids, including those with disabilities, can play together.… MORE
UIS Professor says pandemic could be with us for the rest of our lives
The ways of the pandemic could be with us for the rest of our lives. … MORE
HGOP wants a say
The ways of the pandemic could be with us for the rest of our lives. … MORE
Congressman LaHood rips American Rescue Plan
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Dunlap) came away impressed with the mass vaccination center on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, praising the coordination among the state, Sangamon County, and the Illinois National Guard.… 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…