The Illinois Attorney General’s office has filed another lawsuit against several drug companies alleging they used deceptive marketing practices to sell opioids.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
UPDATE: Superintendent responds after Blue Ridge teachers prepare for possible strike
Blue Ridge Superintendent Susan Wilson said Monday the district hopes to reach a contract agreement that’s fair for both employees and the financial health of the district.… MORE
ISP: 11 people injured after crash in Tazewell County
Illinois State Police said a crash Monday morning on Interstate 155 in Tazewell County left 11 people injured.… MORE
Illinois’ small businesses have less than four months to adhere to new rules and protections for their workers
Illinois’ small businesses have less than four months before they must adhere to an entirely new and enhanced set of rules and protections for their workers.… MORE
Some state lawmakers want to phase out the use of ethylene oxide
Some state lawmakers want to phase out the use of ethylene oxide from most places where it is used now. They announced at a Chicago news conference a new bill which they want passed in the upcoming fall veto session.… MORE
Sustainable farming catching on in Illinois
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – “Sustainable farming” is catching on in Illinois. The Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District has developed a scoring system to help farmers evaluate how conservation-minded their practices are. The program, now used in 43 (and counting) Illinois counties, is S.T.A.R. – Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources. “The farmer can complete a…… MORE
Blue Ridge teachers prepare for possible strike
The union representing teachers in Blue Ridge Community Unit District 18 is taking initial steps toward calling a strike.… MORE
UPDATED: State Fire Marshall to investigate downtown Pontiac blaze
Two downtown buildings are a total loss from Saturday’s fire, but it could have been much worse, Pontiac’s fire chief said on Sunday.… MORE
Fire tears through Pontiac businesses
By the time he returned with a fire extinguisher, it was already too late.
… MORE
Normal Council’s Cummings seeks Rep. Brady’s Illinois House Seat
A Democrat has emerged to challenge for the Illinois House seat held by nine-term Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington).… 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…