He’ll be remembered as a gifted speaker, who in the words of Bloomington’s mayor, provided a voice for the voiceless and some power for the powerless.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Two Associate Judges appointed to Eleventh Judicial Circuit
Two central Illinois natives have been chosen to serve as Associate Judges on the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, which covers McLean County.… MORE
Local grocer in the running for best independent small business
A local grocery store that provides natural and organic products is in the hunt to win a big prize.… MORE
Redbird men prevail in OT over BYU
Illinois State men’s basketball converted two free throws with just over two seconds left in regulation to tie the game and held off an overtime surge to defeat Brigham Young 92-89.… MORE
Pritzker names ISU President Larry Dietz to education transition committee
A local school official has been named to Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker’s transition educational-policy committee.… MORE
Fire in Normal displaces apartment residents
Occupants of five apartments in the 1200 block of West Hovey Avenue in Normal were displaced after a fire this morning.… MORE
Departing Alderman Buragas finds council work ‘very rewarding’
The third Bloomington alderman who’s decided not to seek reelection said she can no longer devote the time necessary to do the job because of family and work obligations.… MORE
The promise of “electric adventure” awaits
Another day, another vehicle unveiling from our friends at Rivian.… MORE
Bloomington council adopts ‘Airbnb tax,’ buys police body cams
Bloomington is following Normal’s lead by charging a six percent tax on patrons who book short-term rentals with Airbnb and similar online services.… MORE
Contest set in all four Bloomington council races
The deadline has passed to file nominating petitions to get on the ballot for the April 2 municipal election.… 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…