The superintendent of District 87 schools, Barry Reilly, hopes the state budget is approved on time, and he noted that state dollars are even more important locally because of stagnant property values.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Area lawmakers differ from Pritzker on marijuana, tax plans, pensions
The Republican leader in the Illinois Senate, Bill Brady of Bloomington, said on Wednesday he’s opposed to the idea forwarded by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker to legalize marijuana.… MORE
No ICE Dwight plans more demonstrations next week
A group of activists is once again trying to rally supporters to voice concerns about a proposed ICE detention center.… MORE
Walmart stores across Central Illinois participating in ‘Baby Savings Day’
Several local Walmart stores have announced they are participating in the biggest in-store baby event of the year.… MORE
Bloomington ranked top 10 city to buy starter homes
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington has been named one of the best places in the country to buy a starter home. A report from Realtor.com ranks Bloomington fourth on the top 10 list. To define best locations for a starter home the site used criteria such as the percentage of home buyers aged 35…… MORE
Heartland college trustees raise students’ tuition for fourth straight year
Students at Heartland Community College will pay more for tuition next school year to help the college keep up with expenses.… MORE
Judge reduces bond in Whalen murder case
A man locked up for almost 28 years for the beating and stabbing death of his father in downtown Bloomington will likely have to stay behind bars despite receiving a new trial. … MORE
Winter weather advisory issued across Central Illinois
Wintry weather with a mix of snow and ice is expected Tuesday night until Wednesday afternoon across all of central Illinois.… MORE
Minimum wage increase made official with Gov. Pritzker’s signature
The bill that will raise minimum wage in Illinois to $15 was signed Tuesday by the governor.… MORE
State Farm customers see second cut to rates
Illinois’ largest auto insurer says its overall personal auto rate will drop by two percent impacting customers to the tune of approximately $43 million.… 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…