Category Archives: State News

Decatur Republican alleges Gov. Pritzker has his thumb on the scales of justice

Decatur Republican alleges Gov. Pritzker has his thumb on the scales of justice

Posted on August 11, 2023

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The Downstate lawmaker who brought the lawsuit challenging Gov. JB Pritzker over the state’s new assault weapons ban – a challenge which went down the tubes at the Illinois Supreme Court Friday – says he is disappointed but not surprised. “You know, this is Illinois,” said State Rep. Dan Caulkins…… MORE

Illinois State Fair featuring a sensory friendly area in 2023

Illinois State Fair featuring a sensory friendly area in 2023

Posted on August 7, 2023

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Fair is for everyone, says fair manager Rebecca Clark. “One in seven individuals live with a disability,” said Clark. “Those with autism, PTSD, and other sensory-processing sensitivities often experience sensory overload, limiting their ability to comfortably participate in social gatherings.” A “sensory friendly” area next to the…… 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…