On Sunday, Gov. Pritzker announced starting Monday night through March 30 due to COVID-19; however, one local lawmaker said Pritzker’s decision could have a rippling effect on the economy.… MORE
AAA: Illinois gas prices drop 19 cents on the week
Illinois gas prices over the week dropped 19 cents, one of the largest weekly decreases in the country, according to the AAA Weekly Fuel Gauge.… MORE
Lawmakers bracing for running the General Assembly by conference call
Depending on how long the coronavirus crisis lasts, the question of running the General Assembly by conference call – or something – may come up.… MORE
Local Wealth Advisor: Fed rate cut “is not going to help right now”
By Blake Haas BLOOMINGTON – To bolster the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve announced Sunday a rate cut, and one local financial advisor says the cut will not help. The Federal Reserve, led by Chair Jerome Powell, cut rates by a full percentage point to zero. The benchmark rate is now a…… MORE
Pritzker endorses Biden on eve of Illinois primary
Gov. J.B. Pritzker endorsed Joe Biden for president on the eve of Illinois’ primary, saying Monday that the Democratic former vice president “is the right candidate to beat Donald Trump and lead us into a new era.”… MORE
McLean County Board meeting postponed until end of month
The McLean County Board will postpone its meeting Tuesday night until March 31 to minimize the spread of COVID-19.… MORE
Restrictions announced for Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court cases
The Chief Judge for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Courts has ordered only specific cases will be heard in light of concerns over the coronavirus.… MORE
Illinois bars and restaurants to close Monday night
It will be at least until the end of the month before people can enter a bar or restaurant in Illinois.… MORE
Pritzker orders Illinois bars and restaurants to close until March 30, IDPH announces 29 new coronavirus cases
Gov. JB Pritzker has ordered all Illinois bars and restaurants to close until March 30 to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.… MORE
Peoria Diocese suspends all public Masses
The Diocese of Peoria has suspended all public Masses until further notice due to the coronavirus.… 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…