State officials condemned revelations that a former state lobbyist who was one of House Speaker Michael Madigan’s closest confidants sought leniency for a state employee who kept quiet about a rape in Champaign and “ghost workers”.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Republican Congressman from Illinois urges Pelosi to send the articles of impeachment to Senate
It’s been three weeks since the U.S. House with only Democratic support passed two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump and Illinois’ Republican delegation, even though they didn’t support the articles, want the House to send them to the Senate.… MORE
Illinois sets record in first week of recreational cannabis sales despite some confusion
Despite some cannabis consumers’ confusion about where to buy recreational marijuana, long lines and reports of product shortages, Illinois dispensaries set records for sales.… MORE
Bloomington man faces charges in New Year’s Eve shooting
A second person has been arrested in connection to the New Year’s Eve shooting death of Tariq Houston.… MORE
Walmart stores across Illinois offering free wellness services
To help people start the new year all Illinois Walmart stores will be offering free wellness services.… MORE
BPD: Man arrested for armed robbery, resisting officer
A Bloomington man was arrested for a hold up Tuesday night on the city’s east side.… MORE
Judge holds Richard Rountree’s bond at $10K
The father of Rica Rountree appeared in court Wednesday after being arrested on circumstances surrounding his daughter’s death.… MORE
No injuries after fire at Bloomington apartment building
Nobody was injured after an apartment complex caught fire Wednesday morning on Bloomington’s east side.… MORE
Illinois lawmakers to grapple over banning isolation in schools or just modify policies
Lawmakers heard from students, parents, advocates and local and state school officials about the policy of schools putting certain students in isolation and restraints.… MORE
Illinois members of Congress weigh in on president’s strike on Iranian general
Illinois’ Congressional delegation is sounding off on the president’s powers under the decades-old War Powers Act after President Donald Trump used a drone strike to kill an Iranian general.… 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…