Members of Wisconsin’s Republican legislature want the state’s congressional delegation to oppose using federal COVID-19 relief money to help bail out Illinois’ pensions.… MORE
Amid growing calls for changes, Pritzker says he’ll alter reopening plan if needed
Some regions of the state in Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s plan to reopen Illinois’ in phases could advance to the third phase of the plan by the end of this month, but one region may not.… MORE
Central Illinois lawmaker concerned about governor’s reopening plan
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis joins a list of people who are a bit worried about Gov. JB Pritzker’s “Restore Illinois” plan.… MORE
Some raise concerns about COVID-19 testing policies for people leaving prison
Thousands of inmates have left Illinois prisons since March 1, according to documents published by the state, but It’s unclear how many of those people have been tested for COVID-19.… MORE
Pritzker says he’ll consider withholding COVID-19 relief funds from local governments that don’t follow his reopening plan
Some communities around the state have made it known they plan to open for business soon, despite a stay-at-home order and the governor’s reopening plan.… MORE
IDPH: Bloomington testing site being underutilized
Bloomington’s COVID-19 drive-thru testing site will close Thursday because the site isn’t hitting its testing capacity. … MORE
Pritzker says lawmakers should return to Springfield
Gov. JB Pritzker has gotten off the dime, after previously deferring to legislative leaders, and wants the General Assembly back in Springfield while it is still May.… MORE
McLean County adds 6 more coronavirus cases
McLean County health officials on Tuesday reported six new cases of coronavirus, bringing the county total to 127.… MORE
Bloomington Police arrest two women for drugs and defaced firearm
Two 19-year old’s are facing drug possession and sale charges.… MORE
More restaurants sue governor as industry warns Pritzker reopen plan doesn’t work
Add Northwestern Illinois’ Poopy’s Pub and Grub to the growing list of businesses and individuals suing Gov. J.B. Pritzker over his stay-at-home orders meant to slow the spread of COVID-19.… 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…