The Illinois High School Association announced Thursday that it will significantly limit attendance at the remaining games in the boys basketball state tournament to preemptively reduce the potential spread of COVID-19.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Sharin’ of the Green Parade in Uptown Normal canceled
The Sharin’ of the Green Parade in Uptown Normal originally scheduled for Saturday has been canceled.… MORE
Two polling places moved in Normal amid concerns of coronavirus
In a special meeting Wednesday night, the McLean County Board agreed to move two polling places in Normal due to concerns of spreading the coronavirus.… MORE
ISU extends spring break due to coronavirus
Due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, Illinois State University President Larry Dietz has announced the school is extending its spring break for students until March 23.… MORE
Six new cases of COVID-19 reported in Illinois
Gov Pritzker’s daily coronavirus update included more directions for us — and more criticism of the Trump administration.… MORE
Apartment fire in Normal displaces tenant
An apartment fire Wednesday afternoon in Normal caused heat, smoke, water damage and displaced the tenant.… MORE
Local agencies to participate in large-scale incident response exercise
Several local agencies will be participating in an all-day training exercise Thursday in Bloomington.… MORE
Bradley, Illinois State University won’t rule out online-only classes after spring break
Bradley and Illinois State University are considering “contingency plans” that could include online-only classes, according to spokespeople from both schools. Neither school had anything to announce Tuesday night.… MORE
BEER NUTS advances in ‘Coolest Things Made in Illinois’ competition
A local company has advanced to the next round of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association “Makers Madness” competition.… MORE
BEC changing one polling place due to coronavirus concerns
The Bloomington Election Commission is moving one of its polling locations due to the coronavirus.… 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…