Gov. JB Pritzker campaigned on a promise that redistricting would be executed to reflect gender, racial, and geographic diversity. Illinois House Republicans say, here’s your chance.… MORE
Category Archives: Politics
State Sen. Andy Manar to join governor’s staff
Gov. Pritzker’s newest “senior advisor,” State Sen Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill), says his previous jobs on Senate staff will help him in his new role.… MORE
Lawmakers heading back to Springfield for lame-duck session
For the first time in almost eight months, that old gang is coming back to Springfield. After a four-day session in May, the Illinois House has scheduled lame-duck session days for at least Friday and Saturday.… MORE
Optimism for renewables
People who want more solar and wind power in Illinois say there’s much to be done.… MORE
State Senator Bill Brady resigns
Illinois Senator Bill Brady announced his resignation — making it official at 11:59 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.… MORE
Tazewell County clerk says he was approached on appointment of Ill. Senate seat left vacant by Brady
Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman says he has been approached concerning the upcoming appointment of the Illinois Senate seat left vacant by Republican Bill Brady.… MORE
State lawmaker aims to expunge all cannabis-related convictions
There’s room for improvement – says one state lawmaker – in Illinois’ recreational marijuana program.… MORE
IDPH deputy director provides COVID-19 vaccine rollout strategy
Everyone wants to know: when will it be *my* turn to get the vaccine? Andrew Friend, deputy director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, talks about priorities.… MORE
Lawmakers make bid for virtual session
Except for four days in May, the Illinois General Assembly has not met since March. Now there’s a bill now to allow lawmakers to get to work virtually. It’s sponsored by State Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago).… MORE
Pritzker, Davis feud over jobless benefits program
A dispute between Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and Republican Congressman Rodney Davis about state unemployment insurance benefits escalated Thursday with an exchange of insults.… 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…