Attempting change can be frustrating – when you’re in the minority. … MORE
Category Archives: State News
Ezike: Too early to tell if the Omicron variant has peaked
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – The state’s top public health doctor says it’s too soon to tell if the omicron variant has peaked. Cases have been surging in recent weeks, hitting the highest levels of the entire pandemic. Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike says there has been a slight drop in cases the…… MORE
SOS announces $6 million in pandemic library grants
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Secretary of State Jesse White’s office is announcing $6 million in grants to libraries trying to cope during the pandemic. The grants are going to 211 school, academic and public libraries to help provide essential services says SOS spokesperson Henry Haupt. There are three types of grants being awarded. “The…… MORE
Secretary of State offices and driver services facilities to remain closed for another week
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White says driver services facilities will be closed for one more week due to COVID-19. Secretary of State offices and driver sevices facilities won’t open to the public until Monday or Tuesday, January 24 or 25, depending on regular business hours. Spokesperson Henry Haupt says…… MORE
Congressman Davis wants to pass the “Open Schools Act” giving families $10K per child
Congressman Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) wants American Rescue Plan funding to go to families who want their child to go to a different school if the district moves to remote learning.… MORE
Statehouse Republicans call for changes with DCFS as Director held in contempt of court
With children killed, investigators killed, no place to put kids, and a director being held in contempt of court, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is a troubled state agency. And some statehouse Republicans want changes – starting with some tough questions for DCFS director Marc Smith.… MORE
Illinois non-profits encouraged to apply for grant money through Charitable Trust program
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply for grant funding through Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs’ office. $200,000 is up for grabs through the office’s Charitable Trust program. 10 non-profits will split the funding, with grants of up to $20,000 each says Frerichs. “The Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund assists small non-profits with…… MORE
USDA: Illinois farmers finished 2021 with record year for soybeans
Illinois farmers finished 2021 with a record year for soybeans, and led the nation with that crop. The soybean total was 64 bushels per acre, totaling 673 million.… MORE
State’s top Dr. says new COVID-19 vaccine campaign is working
The governor’s office suggests the latest public service campaign – to get people “off the fence” and into a vaccine clinic – may be working, as some Illinoisans are now getting a covid vaccine for the first time. … MORE
Lawmakers cancel in-person session due to surge in COVID-19
Lawmakers continue to stay away from Springfield.… 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…