The Illinois Department of Public Health on Tuesday announced 250 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the state total to 1,535.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Tuesday is first day for “third parties” to pass petitions
There’s more out there than just Republicans and Democrats, as hard as they might try to squeeze out the “other” political parties.… MORE
Home Sweet Home facing new challenges due to COVID-19
Due to COVID-19, one local nonprofit is changing how they care for the homeless.… MORE
Bloomington City Manager: “We are going to do it right” after technical problems end council meeting
Set to vote on an emergency ordinance Monday night, the Bloomington City Council meeting was canceled due to technical difficulties.… MORE
Fort Jesse Cafe launches emergency relief fund to help support employees
Fort Jesse Cafe in Normal decided to close its doors until further notice because of the coronavirus, but the restaurant has come up with an idea to help out its staff during this time.… MORE
Normal council approves emergency ordinance in response to COVID-19
The Normal Town Council approved an ordinance Monday night that grants emergency decision-making powers for Mayor Chris Koos and City Manager Pam Reece.… MORE
Pritzker calls Trump a day after Twitter feud
Hope you are sitting down for this one.… MORE
Coronavirus cases in McLean County up to 8
There are now eight cases of coronavirus in McLean County.… MORE
Rivian temporarily closes plant in Normal in battle against coronavirus
Rivian is closing all facilities including its plant in Normal to slow the spread of COVID-19, but the electric vehicle maker pledges to pay its workers.… MORE
Public health officials report first coronavirus death in McLean County
Public health officials on Sunday announced the first coronavirus death in McLean County.… 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…