McLean County has added six more cases of coronavirus, bringing the county total to 121.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Saturday’s state and local COVID-19 update
While there was no daily briefing with Governor Pritzker today there were still cases of COVID-19 reported in the state.… MORE
ISU planning for every scenario come this fall
It’s still unknown what school will look like next year, but Illinois State University is trying its best to be ready.… MORE
Beach at Comlara Park closed for the summer
The McLean County Department of Parks & Recreation has decided to close F.R. Glasener Beach at Comlara Park for the summer due to public health concerns with COVID-19.… MORE
MCHD announces two additional cases of COVID-19; 87 have recovered
The McLean County Health Department announced two more cases of COVID-19, bringing the county to 112 cases.… MORE
Heartland Community College sets date for virtual graduation
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Heartland Community College’s 28th annual commencement will be held virtually on Friday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. … MORE
ISU trustees keep tuition and room rates the same
The Illinois State University governing board decided to keep tuition and room and board rates the same for next year.… MORE
Miller Park Zoo announces death of North American River Otter pup
Miller Park Zoo announced one of the North American River Otter pubs has died. … MORE
Tax incentives offered for candy company to expand in Bloomington
At a time when the economy is at a standstill, a tax incentive package is being offered to one of the nation’s largest candy makers with the hope it will expand its plant in southwest Bloomington and hire dozens of new workers.… MORE
Normal pools closed, large events and concerts canceled
Pools in Normal will be closed this summer and large events have been canceled due to COVID-19.… 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…