The Bloomington City Council is unified on the idea that utility companies should not turn off the lights or shut off gas for people struggling to pay their bills during the pandemic.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Governor announces another tool to inform people about coronavirus and the vaccine
Gov. JB Pritzker Monday unveiled another way to promote vaccination and coronavirus education: the Pandemic Health Navigator Program.… MORE
Town of Normal aquatic centers set to open for the season
The Town of Normal will open both of its aquatic centers in late May after being closed last summer due to the pandemic.… MORE
Rural McLean County cop reaches plea deal on felony charges
A rural McLean County police officer is pleading guilty to felony charges, taking advantage of a rarely-used legal tool to protect himself in future court action.… MORE
Holiday Pool set to open next month
Public pools will be open this summer around the Twin-Cities, but just one location will be operational in Bloomington.… MORE
One person injured in Bloomington shooting
A 31-year-old man suffered a minor head injury in a shooting Sunday afternoon on Bloomington’s east side.… MORE
MCHD reports 1 COVID-related death; Rolling positivity rate drops below 5%
McLean County health officials Monday reported another coronavirus-related death, bringing the number of lives lost to 217.… MORE
Bloomington Dr.: J&J COVID-19 vaccine is safe and “benefits outweigh the potential risks”
According to a Bloomington Doctor, the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is safe after a two-week pause due to reports of rare blood clots in a few women.… MORE
Motorcyclist facing hate crime charges in Bloomington enters into plea deal
A Bloomington man charged with a hate crime after allegedly riding his motorcycle through a crowd of protesters last summer has entered into a plea deal with McLean County prosecutors.… MORE
Bloomington-Normal teens speak out against social injustices
On Sunday, some Bloomington-Normal teens shared their voices on recent social justice issues taking place across the country.… 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…