A 9-year-old is to be charged with murder in the Goodfield mobile home fire that killed five in April.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Report shows less mortgage debt means Illinoisans have less personal debt than national average
While Illinoisans have long made more than the average American and have more credit card debt to show for it, a new analysis found Illinoisans now have less total debt than people in other states, and mortgages could be the culprit.… MORE
As Illinois lawmakers eye CBD regulations, seller asks for uniform federal oversight
As CBD oil continues to become more popular – it’s now sold everywhere from gas stations to specialty shops and even video rental stores, several Illinois state lawmakers have proposed new ways to regulate the product.… MORE
Council newcomers question accuracy of meeting minutes, town’s purchasing policy
Normal’s city manager is defending the town’s purchasing policies, while a council member is speaking in support of the city clerk.… MORE
Normal council gears up for key decisions on recreation marijuana sales
Businesses won’t be allowed to sell cannabis for recreational use in Uptown Normal if town staffers have their way.… MORE
Illinois fire officials offer safety tips for Fire Prevention Week
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has proclaimed this week as Illinois Fire Prevention week, marking the 148th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 and providing state fire officials with the opportunity to remind all Illinoisans about preventing residential fires. … MORE
Latest offers posted between Blue Ridge School District, union
Contract offers between the Blue Ridge School District and the union representing teachers and other employees have been released.… MORE
McLean County Board member announces re-election bid
A Republican on the McLean County Board has announced her candidacy for re-election.… MORE
Illinois Wesleyan selects Anthony Lunsford as Head Bowling coach
Anthony Lunsford, former collegiate bowling standout at Ashford University, has been selected as the Illinois Wesleyan University bowling coach IWU Athletic Director Mike Wagner announced Monday, Oct. 7. Lunsford will be the first coach in the program’s history.… MORE
IRS announces assistance to farmers forced to sell livestock in some Illinois counties
Illinois farmers and ranchers in a number of counties may be able to shield themselves from a big tax hit after severe weather forced them to sell off their livestock. … 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…