Military families in Illinois will soon get help navigating the occupational licensing process in a move to reduce unemployment.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Illinois lost more than $12 billion in income in 2 years: Analysis of IRS migration data
In just two years, Illinois lost more than $12.4 billion in Adjusted Gross Income, according to IRS migration data analyzed by public finance watchdog Wirepoints.… MORE
Illinois’ rural areas would lose representation in congress if population loss continues
Illinois’ industries are reacting to new U.S. Census Bureau data that shows Illinois led the nation in population loss over the past decade. The state lost nearly 160,000 residents in just six years, which could mean fewer members in Congress representing the Land of Lincoln.… MORE
Illinoisans pay more in cell phone taxes than residents anywhere else in U.S.
A yearly measurement of cell phone taxes and fees found Illinoisans pay more than residents in any other state and the costs are increasing, according to a report.… MORE
Richards to run for chair of McLean County Democratic Party
United States Navy veteran Nikita Richards is running for chair of the McLean County Democratic Party.… MORE
Miller Park Zoo announces $600,000 grant for new Monkey exhibit
Thanks to a $600,000 grant from the state of Illinois, Miller Park Zoo is in the beginning stages of design for a new monkey exhibit.… MORE
Bloomington man arrested in connection to New Year’s Eve shooting; Police still looking for suspect
Police are updating an investigation into a deadly shooting New Year’s Eve in northwest Normal.… MORE
Liquor commission to consider license for Normal movie theater
The Normal Liquor Commission will consider a liquor license for a movie theater on the town’s north side.… MORE
Sentencing vacated for woman convicted of killing 8-year-old
A woman from Normal who was found guilty of killing her 8-year-old stepdaughter has had her sentencing vacated after hiring a new attorney.… MORE
Illinois Department of Labor reminds workers to watch their wages
The start of a new year means a higher minimum wage and the Illinois Department of Labor is encouraging employees to watch their paychecks to ensure that time worked in 2020 is paid at the new rate.… 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…