By REILLY COOKMedill Illinois News [email protected] SPRINGFIELD — Criminal justice reform advocates say legislation to seal criminal records for certain nonviolent crimes, which passed Friday in the House, would unlock economic opportunity for thousands of Illinoisans. The so-called Clean Slate Act has failed twice before, but activists see renewed fiscal messaging as the key to…… MORE
THANK YOU: WJBC’s 100th Anniversary Beer officially for sale across Central Illinois
Thank you, Central Illinois, for joining WJBC at our 100th Anniversary beer unveiling on Saturday at Lil’ Beaver Brewery.… MORE
‘Medical aid in dying’ bill moves forward in Illinois
Terminally ill Illinoisans may have the legal option to end their own life with the help of a physician next year under a bill approved by lawmakers Thursday. … MORE
Prosecutors ask judge to sentence ex-Speaker Madigan to 12 ½ years in prison
Federal prosecutors are asking for a lengthy 12 ½-year prison sentence for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, calling the longtime Democratic power broker “steeped in corruption” and alleging he lied on the witness stand when he testified in his own defense earlier this year.… MORE
New taxes on sports bets, nicotine products as Democrats pass $55.2B budget
Giving almost no time for public review, Illinois Democrats pushed through a $55.2 billion budget for next fiscal year late Saturday, bolstering coffers with new taxes on sports bets, nicotine products and businesses.… MORE
Enter for a chance to win $5k for your Top Pop!
Enter this national contest for a chance at $5,000 for a basement, barbecue, or backyard upgrade for your Top Pop!… MORE
Illinois bill aims to lower cost of prescriptions, rein in pharmacy benefit managers
A bill that seeks to control the rising cost of prescription drugs while also offering financial help for many small, independent pharmacies in Illinois cleared the state Senate on Thursday and awaits action in the House.… MORE
Multi-vehicle crash on Murray Baker Bridge results in injuries
The Illinois State Police said people were injured after a multi-vehicle crash on the Murray Baker Bridge on Thursday.… MORE
Bloomington City Council Approves Over $10 Million for Infrastructure Upgrades
In a significant move to enhance the city’s infrastructure, the Bloomington City Council on Tuesday approved more than $10 million investment package for the coming year.… MORE
Pritzker threatens to veto any budget containing ‘broad-based’ tax increase
Gov. JB Pritzker said Wednesday he will not sign a budget that includes broad tax hikes to fund new spending as lawmakers are in the final hours of budget negotiations.… 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…