What would normally be the ‘Brews at the Zoo’ has changed to ‘Brews for the Zoo’ — four local breweries raising money by creating special brews based on animals at the Miller Park Zoo.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
The governor and IDOT announce a six-year construction plan
“Our roads and our bridges deliver Illinoisans to work and home again, to school, to the pharmacy, to the doctor’s office,” said Gov. JB Pritzker in Collinsville Tuesday.… MORE
Hy-Vee to hand out more than 3 million free masks
In an effort to protect its customers and employees from COVID-19, Hy-Vee will distribute free masks to those entering its stores starting July 27.… MORE
Habitat for Humanity volunteers back to work despite COVID-19
Despite COVID-19, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity of McLean County are rolling up their sleeves and getting back to work building homes. … MORE
17 new cases of COVID-19 in McLean County; Expanded testing in rural areas
The McLean County Health Department on Tuesday announced 17 new cases of coronavirus and more testing that will start this week in rural parts of the county.… MORE
Back 2 School Alliance still distributing supplies despite COVID-19
With in-person learning still in limbo due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Back2School Alliance is putting backpacks and school supplies in the hands of children who need them most.… MORE
Rivian expansion plans win council approval
The Normal Town Council is backing Rivian’s plans to expand its factory even before it starts making electric vehicles on the west side of town.… MORE
Juneteenth might become a Bloomington city holiday
Bloomington is a step closer to declaring Juneteenth a city holiday.… MORE
Bloomington District 87 unveils back-to-school plan
Bloomington’s District 87 has shared their transition plan for returning to school in August.… MORE
Bloomington Police investigating separate weekend shootings
Bloomington Police are investigating two separate shootings over the weekend.… 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…