Warm and wet were the watchwords of last week in the farm fields of Illinois, according to the USDA crop report.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Durbin remembers late Congressman John Lewis
Lawmakers and people across the country are paying their respects to the civil rights icon and late Congressman John Lewis of Georgia.… MORE
Bloomington-Normal eateries praised for putting COVID safety ahead of profits
A Bloomington City Council member is praising several restaurants in the Twin-Cities which temporarily closed their doors this weekend because of COVID-19 concerns.… MORE
Unit 5 working with First Student to ensure students are safe amid COVID-19 pandemic
While Unit 5 students have an option for online or in-person learning, student transportation will look slightly different, according to the new superintendent.… MORE
Three new COVID-19 cases in McLean and Livingston County
McLean County Health officials announced three new Coronavirus cases on Monday, bringing the county total to 461 cases.… MORE
Coroner: Body found in Illinois River
Authorites found the body of an 18-year-old woman Sunday morning in the Illinios River.… MORE
‘Black Lives Matter’ rally and march in Bloomington to defund police
The ‘Progressive Voices of Central Illinois’ hosted a rally at Stevenson Park Sunday afternoon. Dozens showed up with signs supporting the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement.… MORE
Bradley University confirms COVID-19 outbreak
Bradley University confirms to our news partner Heart of Illinois ABC that eight members of its orientation program have tested positive for the coronavirus.… MORE
MCHD reports 14 new cases of COVID-19
The McLean County Health Department on Friday announced 14 new cases of coronavirus as the county continues to see an uptick in cases, bringing the total number to 443.… MORE
ISU faculty voice concerns about fall reopening
As students return to Illinois State University this fall, some faculty and staff are worried it might be too soon.… 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…