The Bloomington City Council unanimously passed a $230 million budget Wednesday night, but the elected leaders said they’re willing to make changes given the uncertainty about COVID-19’s financial impact.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Boy accused in fatal, Goodfield trailer fire has custody hearing
The 9-year-old boy charged with killing five of his family members in a fire had a virtual custody hearing Wednesday.… MORE
State health officials report 2,049 new coronavirus cases
With other states preparing to open up commerce, what about Illinois?… MORE
Pritzker addresses drive-thru COVID-19 testing; Bloomington site hasn’t hit testing capacity
Gov. JB Pritzker at his daily press briefing Wednesday spoke about drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites, which includes the location in Bloomington.… MORE
How’s business in real estate these days?
It’s the biggest purchase of your life – a house. And we are headed for what could be the worst economy of your life.… MORE
UPDATED: Second day in a row, McLean County no new cases
For the second day in a row, McLean County Health officials announce no new cases of COVID-19.… MORE
Dollar Tree facing fine over $233,000 for OSHA violations at Bloomington store
The Dollar Tree at 1407 N. Veterans Parkway in Bloomington is facing a $233,255 fine from OSHA.… MORE
McLean County Board extends helping hand to suffering small businesses, taxpayers
Owners of small businesses in McLean County, struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic are receiving some relief in the form of low-interest loans, while landowners in the county will have more time to pay their property taxes after elected leaders took action Tuesday night.… MORE
Jeffrey Dobbs to be named principal at Sarah E. Raymond School of Early Education
The District 87 School Board will vote to name Jeffrey Dobbs the new principal at Sarah E. Raymond School of Early Education at its meeting Wednesday night.… MORE
COVID-19 outbreak raises labor issues at Illinois prisons
A county board chairman has raised concerns after he said the Illinois Department of Corrections failed to test 5 correctional officers who worked at Stateville Correctional Center, a state-run prison that has been among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 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…