Race in the workplace. A new University of Illinois study suggests there’s room for improvement… MORE
Category Archives: State News
Seasonal respiratory cases down across the state
According to leaders at the Illinois Department of Public Health, seasonal respiratory cases are down statewide.… MORE
Gov. Pritzker shares thoughts on violent crime during rally in Chicago
Violent crime in Chicago is on the way down – double-digit decreases two years in a row.… MORE
‘National Unclaimed Property Day’ kicks off the month of February
By WMBD-TV SPRINGFIELD – Thursday is “National Unclaimed Property Day,” and Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging all Illinois residents to check for unclaimed cash and property. In a release from Frerichs’ office, he shows how easy it is to get the unclaimed cash or property back into the rightful owner’s hands. “Putting money…… MORE
Bloomington lawmaker backing bill to make life easier for family farmers
Farming is backbreaking work, and the estate tax family farmer owns when, say, the patriarch or matriarch passes away can be bank-breaking.… MORE
Trump’s name will remain on the Illinois Republican primary ballot
Illinois Republicans, for now, will have the opportunity to vote for former president Donald Trump in the March 19 primary.… MORE
Sen. Durbin wants to go after credit card fees
When the cost of doing business includes rising fees MasterCard and Visa collect, small businesses say that’s painful.… MORE
Presidential candidacies facing objection in Illinois with little success
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Your dislike of President Biden’s performance in office is not a reason to disqualify him for being a candidate in the March 19 Illinois primary. That’s how an Illinois State Board of Elections hearing officer summed up his reasoning for rejecting an objection fronted by Arthur Jones of Lyons. Jones…… MORE
Anti-violence bill languishes
The shooting death of a mother and daughter in Chicago – allegedly by the husband / father – last summer inspired “Karina’s Bill,” which would make it easier to remove guns from the home of an alleged abuser. … MORE
Proposed state law would outlaw five chemical food additives
Opponents say a proposed ban on five chemical food additives would create an unwieldy “patchwork” of varying laws.… 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…