By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The state’s latest high-profile retiree says … it’s time. “If you were 78 years old,” says Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Burke, “and you had been working since you were fifteen or going to school and raising a family of five, you would think, maybe it’s time to take…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The state’s assessing the damage to the statue of Martin Luther King Jr., on the Capitol complex, while a man faces a charge of criminal damage to state property. “Sunday evening, we estimate about 11:00,” said Dave Druker, a spokesman for the Illinois secretary of state’s office, “a person came…… MORE
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.8 days suitable for field work during the week ending September 11, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 69.9 degrees, 0.1 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.79 inches, 0.10 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 4 percent very short, 24 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 2…… MORE
The checks will be in the mail. Or in your direct deposit.… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Labor union membership in Illinois grew by about 16,000 last year, compared to the year before. Frank Manzo IV, executive director of the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, says his report could support an argument for a constitutional amendment on the Illinois ballot this fall. “The Workers’ Rights Amendment would guarantee…… MORE
A gathering of sheriffs in Springfield Tuesday gave State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) another opportunity to present himself as the law-and-order candidate for governor against incumbent Democrat JB Pritzker in November.… MORE
A candidate for Illinois secretary of state says there’s still far too much paperwork and delay in that office.… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker has not forgotten about the abortion debate. Pritzker, campaigning at Planned Parenthood of Illinois Tuesday, said after the Roe v. Wade reversal, abortion’s definitely on the ballot in two months. And what about bringing lawmakers back to Springfield for a special session? “I am telling you that our efforts…… MORE
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 6.0 days suitable for field work during the week ending August 28, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 72.5 degrees, 1.1 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.20 inches, 0.56 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 8 percent very short, 24 percent short, 63 percent adequate, and 5…… MORE
By 25 News ROCKFORD – A federal judge on Monday sentenced a Central Illinois man to 55 years in prison for killing a deputy U.S. Marshal who was trying to arrest the fugitive on McLean County residential burglary charges in 2019. A jury in April found Floyd Brown, 43, of Springfield guilty of second-degree murder…… MORE
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.” …
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…
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…
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…