As things slowly return to business as usual during the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Red Cross calls on Central Illinoisans to donate blood.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
U of I will require COVID vaccine for students
By Neil Doyle CHAMPAIGN – The University of Illinois system will require that all students receive a COVID-19 vaccination if they plan to be on campus for fall semester. The university sent the following message to students, faculty and staff Monday regarding vaccination guidelines for the fall semester: This requirement is consistent with our…… MORE
UPDATE: Missing girl from Bloomington located
Police say a missing girl from Bloomington has been located.… MORE
ISU’s first woman president to receive $375K annual salary, trustees pay bonus to outgoing leader
Illinois State University’s governing board has signed off on a four-year contract with the school’s next president, paying her an annual salary of $375,000.… MORE
Former Bloomington mayor weighs candidacy for newly-drawn Illinois House seat
Now that Tari Renner is no longer Bloomington’s mayor, he’s considering a run for the Illinois legislature.… MORE
Community continue to voice their concerns at Unit 5 school board meeting
Parents, teachers, students, and even former students– all shared their concerns over district policies at the Unit 5 school board meeting Wednesday night.… MORE
ISU Director of Canine Behavior and Cognition Laboratory warning not to leave dogs in hot cars
Temperatures are on the rise across Central Illinois, and leaving a dog in a hot car could mean a death sentence for the animal.… MORE
McLean County Sheriff: still waiting to transfer prisoners
The McLean County Sheriff has a message for the Illinois Department of Corrections: take your prisoners.… MORE
Free concert series coming to Downtown Bloomington
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – A new concert series is coming to Downtown Bloomington next month. The Saturdays on the Square series will bring nationally touring acts to perform free, family-friendly concerts on the museum square from 6-10 p.m. “I’m so excited about the upcoming concert events in Bloomington’s downtown,” said Bloomington City Manager…… MORE
CIRA joins Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – A local airport is now offering a customer service program designed to assist travelers and visitors with hidden disabilities. Central Illinois Regional Airport Deputy Director Fran Strebing spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller. “The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, you wear this lanyard and it just kind of helps you as you…… 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…