A local legislator says the top elected leader in Illinois will have to “moderate his approach” if he’s thinking about running for a higher office.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
More Illinoisans are getting tested for COVID-19
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – A lot more people are getting tested for COVID-19 in Illinois. The number of tests run has soared this month, hitting a pandemic-high of nearly 234,000 on Saturday. Testing, social distancing, getting vaccinated and continuing to wear a mask is still vitally important as cases rise says Gov. JB Pritzker.…… MORE
State Climatologist: December tornadoes are uncommon, but not rare
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – There have been about 96 tornadoes occurring in the month of December in Illinois between 1950 and 2020, so they do happen says State Climatologist Trent Ford. “There is not a tornado season in Illinois and when we do get tornadoes in December, as well as January, February and November,…… MORE
Governor signs new law setting up a state licensing system for midwives
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – There’s good news for Illinoisans considering a home birth. Gov. JB Pritzker Tuesday signed into law a bill regulating midwifery. It sets up standards for qualifications, education, and training. “It’s been over the last two decades that I have been trying to provide the best type of care for maternal…… MORE
The City of Bloomington receives top honor from the American Heart Association
The City of Bloomington is receiving high praise from the American Heart Association for its workforce culture.… MORE
Bloomington City Council remembering former Deputy City Manager through a bench dedication
The Bloomington City Council remembers a former Deputy City Manager through a proclamation, bench dedication, and the renaming of their new conference room.… MORE
Midwest Food Bank on standby to send relief to tornado victims
After a historic tornado tore through five states last Friday, leaving 74 dead, the Midwest Food Bank is preparing to send disaster relief to those in need.… MORE
Bloomington apartment fire displaces four residents
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington fire crews responded to an apartment fire Monday morning that left a woman and three children displaced. The department responded to a structure fire on Holton Drive at 11:26 a.m. after a neighbor reported the smell and presence smoke, according to BFD Facebook post. Authorities say no injuries were…… MORE
Opening of new Bloomington-Normal YMCA delayed
Construction continues on the new Bloomington-Normal YMCA; however, those wanting to work out at the new facility will have to wait a while longer.… MORE
Local health officials report four additional COVID-related deaths; 287 new cases since Friday
Four more McLean County residents have died from COVID-complications.… 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…