Gov. Pritzker continues fight for abortion rights at Planned Parenthood Illinois

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

Rain is helping Illinois crops

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

Children’s Discovery Museum to host free ag and science presentation on Sept. 20

By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The Children’s Discovery Museum will host a free after-school program featuring Dr. Craig Wilson, Director of the USDA Future Scientists Program, on September 20 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Normal Theater. This interactive presentation about the exciting worlds of science and agriculture is intended to inspire students to…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…