Hy-Vee has announced it is now accepting SNAP, EBT as payment for grocery pickup orders.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
COVID-19 cases increase at McLean County Jail
The McLean County Jail now has four new cases of COVID-19.… MORE
DCFS responds after Rica Rountree’s mother protests outside Bloomington office
The mother of Rica Rountree, the Bloomington 8-year-old who was murdered by her father’s girlfriend in January of 2019, protested outside the Bloomington DCFS office on Monday. She called for changes to be made within the agency.… MORE
Bloomington council’s Carrillo blocks traffic as protesters rally outside county jail
About 100 demonstrators rallied Monday evening outside the McLean County Jail, and a Bloomington city council member was more than just a spectator.… MORE
Fitness Center envisioned for vacant space at Twin-Cities shopping center
A local economy damaged by the COVID-19 pandemic would get a boost from a new fitness center if it wins approval from Normal’s town government.… MORE
Firefighters save part of a burning building in Towanda
Firefighters were able to save three-quarters a burning building after a fire broke out at the Precision Tool & Die factory.… MORE
Livingston County adds eight new COVID-19 cases
Eight more individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 increasing the county’s total to 94 cases.… MORE
PR post filled in Normal months after divided council approved funding
The Town of Normal has filled a communications job carrying a salary of $97,400 that was controversial well before the COVID-19 pandemic strained government finances.… MORE
McLean County health officials announce seven new cases of COVID-19
Coronavirus infections continue to rise in McLean County with health officials announcing seven new cases.… MORE
IWU Graduates cross the virtual stage
More than 380 graduates from Illinois Wesleyan University were celebrated virtually Sunday as viewers from around the country watched the 170th Commencement exercises.… 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…