The Bloomington-Normal YMCA and Easterseals of Central Illinois announced a big step toward their goal of raising $16 million to build a new community center on Bloomington’s east side.… MORE
State education board report addresses teacher shortage
Illinois has a teacher shortage, and the Illinois State Board of Education is trying to stop it with a report called Teach Illinois.… MORE
Bloomington City Council gives go ahead for senior housing
The old Bloomington High School on East Washington Street will no longer be vacant as it will become affordable housing for seniors.… MORE
Deal with Mexico looks good to Illinois farmers
There’s still no deal between the U.S. and Illinois’ largest trading partner Canada, but a deal inked with Mexico has farmers in the Land of Lincoln feeling more optimistic.… MORE
Old BHS to become affordable senior housing
The Bloomington City Council have decided to partner with a private sector to convert the former Bloomington High School into affordable housing for seniors.… MORE
Obituary: Frink
NORMAL – Howard Glen Frink, 93, of Normal, has reached his final address. We imagine he was walking with no pain down the streets of Heaven at 7:25 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5, 2018. Howard’s service will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 11 a.m. at East White Oak Bible Church, with Pastor…… MORE
Tropical Storm Gordon to blame for wet start to September
Tropical Storm Gordon has provided a wet start to September in Illinois.… MORE
ISU remains nationally ranked in publication’s annual report
Illinois State University remains in the top 100 public colleges and universities in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report.… MORE
Durbin addresses games being played in D.C.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) says in nominating Brett Kavanaugh, President Trump is attempting to game the U.S. Supreme Court.… MORE
Obituary: Barnes
Marjie E. Barnes, 73, Fairbury, died at 5:30 am Friday, September 7, 2018 at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal. Visitation will be 10:00 am to 12:45 pm Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. Her funeral will follow at 1:00pm with Pastor Brian King officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury. …… 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…