Richard Rountree’s request for a new judge in his jury trial has been granted.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Twin-Cities unemployment down, jobs up over the year
Bloomington-Normal’s jobless rate fell over the year and more jobs were added.… MORE
Books to Benefit announces $10,000 in literacy gifts, scholarships
A local non-profit that holds book sales to raise money for local literacy programs has announced its gift totals.… MORE
Illinois lawmakers react to governor’s State of the State address
Illinois Democrats liked what they heard from the governor, while Republicans react with guarded optimism.… MORE
McLean County health officials say risk of coronavirus to public remains low
With thousands of confirmed cases and over 20 deaths linked to the novel coronavirus in China, McLean County health officials are saying the risk is low in central Illinois.… MORE
Brady: Plane crash in Sangamon County ‘very sad’
State Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) and many others are mourning those who died in a plane crash Tuesday in Springfield.… MORE
Country singer headlines Red Cross Evening of Stars
A country singer and actor known for his distinctive bass-baritone voice will be coming to the Twin-Cities to help raise money for those in need.… MORE
Rivian announces new partnership with Lincoln Motor Company
As part of Ford’s investment in electric vehicle maker Rivian, the Lincoln Motor Company announced Wednesday a new partnership with Rivian to develop an all-new electric vehicle using Rivian’s skateboard chassis.… MORE
Normal zoning panel backs dispensary permit for recreational marijuana
The only medical cannabis dispensary in the Twin-Cities is one step closer to selling recreational cannabis.… MORE
Kothe named public works director in Bloomington
Bloomington City Manger Tim Gleason has named Kevin Kothe as the city’s next public works director.… 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…