State Farm is joining the effort to recognize and honor essential workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Connect Transit won’t collect fares until June 7
Connect Transit has extend the suspension of fare collection on all transportation services.… MORE
Pandemic pushes demand for all kinds of social service help
Mister Rogers famously said that his mother told him, when there is trouble, look for the helpers. And some of those helpers participated in a webinar put on by Planned Parenthood of Illinois.… MORE
Unit 5 reaches “monumental” milestone during pandemic
Even though children are learning at home during the COVID-19 crisis, McLean County’s largest school district continues to deliver tens of thousands of meals to students.… MORE
Local McDonald’s restaurants offer free meal for first responders and healthcare workers
Those on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic can get a free meal at local McDonald’s restaurants.… MORE
Bloomington COVID-19 site can now test some without symptoms
The local COVID-19 drive-thru testing site has received direction that it can loosen the guidelines on who can be tested.… MORE
In COVID-19’s wake, Rivian-Ford cancel plans to make Lincoln electric vehicle at Twin-Cities plant
The deal is off for Rivian Automotive’s car factory in Normal to produce a Lincoln-brand electric vehicle, a Rivian spokesperson confirmed late Tuesday night.… MORE
McLean County adds 2 more coronavirus cases
Local health officials reported two new cases of coronavirus Tuesday, bringing the McLean County total to 94.… MORE
Hy-Vee requires employees to wear masks due to COVID-19
Hy-Vee announced that all employees are now required to wear a mask or other facial covering while at work in response to the coronavirus outbreak.… MORE
LaHood: People are getting restless
A Central Illinois Congressman has some ideas for reopening the state amid the coronavirus pandemic.… 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…