Category: Government

Reader’s Commentary: On controlling thoughts, ideas, conversations, in the U.S.

By Bela “Bill” SuhaydaSugar Grove Totalitarianism, communism, and other assorted dictatorial isms have a set of guideposts by which they maintain control over their populations. In their efforts to create their perfect world, which they want the rest of us to enjoy, they build a controlling framework into which we

Back the Vax in Aurora festival Saturday, July 31

As restrictions are lifted, the arts and culture sector in Illinois recognizes that continuing to get audiences and communities vaccinated is important for safely returning to in-person arts activities. Artists in 24 regions across Illinois are creating more than 72 pro-vaccination projects this Summer because vaccines are widely available. Aurora

East Aurora School District 131 opens new administrative center

Close to 100 District-level employees work in one centralized location because East Aurora School District 131 recently opened a new administrative center at 310 Seminary Avenue, Aurora. July 7, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in front of the renovated building now serving as the District’s administrative center. Aurora’s mayor Richard

Second Amendment real tug-of-war: Master or servant

By John W. Whitehead & Nisha Whitehead “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” —The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution You can largely determine where a person will fall

New State law augments Medicaid range of services

By Peter Hancock Illinois residents who have health coverage through Medicaid now have access to a broad range of services, including mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, smoking cessation and dental services. Governor JB Pritzker Tuesday signed Senate Bill 2294, which passed unanimously out of both chambers during the Spring

Aurora Committee of the Whole: Independence Day good and bad (neighborhood fireworks)

By Jason Crane At the Aurora city government Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday, the City Council focused on the good and the bad of the Fourth of July weekend. Mayor Richard Irvin said, “The Fourth of July experience was undoubtedly a memorable one.” Mayor Irvin made a reference to

The Erik Blair Diaries a follow-up to Orwell’s 1984 book

By John W. Whitehead & Nisha Whitehead “If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face—for ever.” — George Orwell, 1984 Tread cautiously: The fiction of George Orwell (June 25, 1903-January. 21, 1950) has become an operation manual for the omnipresent, modern-day, surveillance

State receives first credit rating upgrade in 23 years

By Peter Hancock Illinois received its first credit rating upgrade in 23 years Tuesday when Moody’s Investors Services raised the State’s rating one notch, and cited “material improvement in the State’s finances.” Although the upgrade still leaves Illinois bonds rated just two notches above so-called “junk” status, governor JB Pritzker

College athletes’ use of name and likeness: Approval

By Jerry Nowicki Lawmakers, collegiate athletes, and athletic directors from some of the Illinois’ most prominent universities on Tuesday hailed the governor’s signing of a bill allowing college athletes to be paid for the use of their name and likeness as innovative and equity centric. University of Illinois athletic director

Reader’s Commentary: Thoughts on DOJ, Russian collusion

By Bela “Bill” SuhaydaAurora During Barack Obama’s two terms as president, the agencies of the Federal government, to include those in law enforcement, such as the NSA, FBI, DOJ, and CIA were filled by political loyalists. For obvious and even practical reasons, law enforcement should take a stance of neutrality

Illinois economy showed strong signs of first-quarter recovery

By Peter Hancock The Illinois economy showed strong signs of recovery during the first quarter of this year when businesses continued to reopen from the pandemic and direct government payments flowed to businesses and individual consumers. Data released last week from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) showed the

Jason Arres appointed interim chief of police in Naperville

Naperville City manager Doug Krieger has appointed Jason Arres the interim chief of police of the Naperville Police Department. The appointment was made in advance of Chief Robert Marshall’s retirement July 2, after 44 years with the City of Naperville. Arres, who holds the position of deputy chief of the

Naperville pulls together to help clean up damage from tornado

Sunday evening into Monday morning, a devastating tornado touched down in Naperville on the Southeast side near 75th and Ranchview. Although the damage was still being realized, the men and woman of the Naperville Professional Firefighters were there searching homes, assisting in evacuation, and providing medical care. Along with our

Mike Singletary shares his vision in Aurora; AID honored

By Jason Crane Mike Singletary, middle linebacker of the famed 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl team, joined the Aurora city government full City Council as they gathered in person for the first time since March 2020. Singletary, A.K.A. “Samurai Mike’’ was team captain for 10 years, and NFL Defensive Player