Illinois State University’s governing board will decide Friday whether to award President Larry Dietz a bonus after giving him a glowing performance review.… MORE
Rep. Sommer: constituents have his ear, Blair declares independence from Madigan
The challenger to Republican State Rep. Keith Sommer in the 88th Legislative District race claimed during a debate Wednesday night that Sommer is not responsive to constituents’ concerns. The incumbent of almost 20 years said that’s not true, and added that public input helps him make better decisions.… MORE
Illinois National Guard joins effort to protect against hackers on Election Day
The Illinois State Board of Elections is teaming up with the Illinois National Guard to keep votes and voter information safe this year.… MORE
Civil lawsuit filed against Pritzker, alleges racial discrimination
Democratic Illinois governor candidate J.B. Pritzker faces a civil lawsuit filed by current and former workers on his campaign alleging racial discrimination and harassment.… MORE
Obituary: Kaisner
Merle W. Kaisner, 95 of Fairbury, passed away at 10:35 a.m., Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at his residence in Fairbury.… MORE
Experts cast doubt on Illinois’ potential gambling revenue jackpot
Illinois officials have their eyes on a potential payday from legalizing new forms of gambling, but state revenue specialists warn that it may not be the jackpot they’re hoping for.… MORE
Ex-Bloomington City Manager Hales and Joliet officially part ways
The severance package for former Bloomington City Manager David Hales will top $90,000 after he leaves the position he’s held for 11 months as Joliet’s city manager.… MORE
BPD looks for robber who stole bank bags from Eastland Mall store
Bloomington Police are asking for the public’s help to find the man who took off with two bank bags during the noon hour Tuesday from a store at Eastland Mall.… MORE
Applicants for associate judge vacancies released
Nearly two dozen local attorneys have applied for two associate judge vacancies in the local judicial circuit.… MORE
Obituaries: Kennedy, Prodehl, Vedder
Larry Kennedy Jr. NORMAL – Larry Wayne Kennedy Jr., 57, Normal and formerly of Cooksville, died at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria. Visitation will be 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Colfax followed by his funeral service at noon. The family…… 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…