District 87 has finalized a contract with the man they want to lead the Bloomington school district when long-time Superintendent Barry Reilly retires next summer.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Congressman Davis touting a victory in National Defense spending bill vote
On the heels of the vote, a central Illinois Republican is touting a victory in the National Defense Authorization Act that provides pay raises to military members.… MORE
Local man receives Illinois’ highest honor for a county official
A local man has been given the highest honor in Illinois as a county official.… MORE
Bullet found at Normal Community West High School, parent shares fear
A teacher found a bullet in a Normal Community West High School classroom on Monday. One mother shares how she thought the worst, as this came a week after a school shooting in Michigan.… MORE
State launches new $42 million water assistance program
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – The state is launching a new $42 million water assistance program for low-income Illinoisans. The effort is for those facing disconnection or who have $250 or more in overdue water and sewer bills. Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Acting Director Sylvia Garcia says to qualify, applicants need to…… MORE
Pritzker: No plans for a private sector vaccine mandate like in NYC
By IIS Radio WESTMONT – Gov. JB Pritzker says he’s not planning to institute a new COVID-19 vaccine mandate like the one in New York City. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio is enacting a mandate for private sector workers. Pritzker was asked if that’s something we could see in Illinois. “That again is not…… MORE
West Bloomington Revitalization Project makes progress on flood recovery efforts
It’s been almost six months since the historic rainfall touched down in McLean County, damaging thousands of homes with flood water.… MORE
Local police departments provide Christmas gifts to local kids through the ‘Shop with a Cop’ campaign
Over 45 children in the Twin-Cities are smiling more this holiday season, thanks to Normal Police.… MORE
HELP WANTED: McLean County’s largest school district in dire need of substitute teachers
McLean County’s largest school district is in dire need of substitute teachers and bus drivers.… MORE
Second round of COVID-19 rental assistance available for Illinois renters and landlords
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Applications for rental assistance in Illinois are now being accepted. State Housing Development Authority executive director Kristin Faust says those still struggling to pay their rent due to the pandemic can now apply for grants online at IllinoisHousingHelp.org. “They are up to $25,000 and if people need additional help applying…… 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…