Illinois State University President Larry Dietz participated in Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois victory tour on Wednesday, expressing deep gratitude for the billions of dollars earmarked for higher education.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Vacant county board seat attracts five candidates
The McLean County Board’s Executive Committee will interview five people who are interested in filling a vacant county board seat.… MORE
Gleason creates committee to assist in police chief search
Bloomington City Manager Tim Gleason has named a five member committee that will assist him in the search for the next police chief.… MORE
Pekin man dead after a two-vehicle accident
An area man is dead after a Wednesday morning crash in rural South Pekin.… MORE
BPD: Man wanted for criminal sexual abuse
Bloomington Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect involved in a criminal sexual abuse case.… MORE
ISU AD: ‘I’m concerned about edibles’ with student-athletes
Despite the legalization of marijuana in Illinois, one local Athletic Director is sharing how the new legislation will impact Illinois State University athletes.… MORE
McLean County Drug Court receives Supreme Court certification
A 10-year old program aimed to keep McLean County drug offenders in treatment and out of jail has received a certification from the Illinois Supreme Court.… MORE
Working group’s Connect Transit inquiry seen as “worthwhile” effort
Mayors of Bloomington and Normal have issued a joint statement expressing their hopes for what a working group will accomplish to guide the transit system’s future, while a pair of Connect Transit critics like what they see so far.… MORE
Pontiac Mayor Russell to step down
The mayor of Pontiac has announced his resignation.… MORE
Fire Safety Compliance Manager: ‘read the instructions’ before shooting off fireworks
With America’s birthday right around the corner, Illinois’ Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding the public about state firework laws and safety.… 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…