Sometimes, the things you hear just blow you away.That was the case at a joint hearing on education Thursday.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
MVC Commissioner calls new rapid COVID-19 tests “saving grace”
The Missouri Valley Conference Commissioner says new rapid COVID-19 tests could be the “saving grace” of winter sports seasons.… MORE
Cadillac Jacks agrees to pay $1,500 in settlement with Bloomington, can keep liquor license
Cadillac Jacks in Bloomington has agreed to pay a $1,500 fine for violating rules and guidelines set in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.… MORE
Bloomington man charged with choking girlfriend, threatening her with knife
Serious domestic violence cases have been on the rise in McLean County since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a case filed this week in which a Bloomington man is accused of repeatedly choking a woman and holding a knife to her neck.… MORE
19 new COVID cases in McLean County
McLean County health officials Friday reported 19 new cases of coronavirus as the rolling positivity rate fell to 3.3%.… MORE
Tax increase may happen for some or for all
People who oppose the graduated tax question on the November ballot say it’ll soon enough mean higher taxes for many, many Illinoisans.… MORE
Early voting underway in McLean County
Early in-person voting for the November election started Thursday in McLean County.… MORE
It’s showtime: Normal Theater to open next month
Movie lovers rejoice! The Normal Theater is reopening its doors after being shuttered due to the ongoing Coronaivurs pandemic.… MORE
Unit 5 releases plan for in-person learning
Unit 5 plans to have students return to in-person learning in a hybrid format later next month.… MORE
District 87 sees late October return for some elementary students
Some of the youngest children in Bloomington School District 87 will return to the classroom late next month, according to a plan presented to the school board Wednesday night.… 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…