Illinois could soon expand the list of which fireworks are legal.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Former State Farm HQ given landmark protection, city council also signs off on firefighters’ pact
One of Bloomington’s most iconic buildings is receiving local landmark status, making its much harder for it to be demolished.… MORE
$11.8 million O’Neil pool, skate park project wins Bloomington City Council backing
The Bloomington City Council is willing to borrow money to build a new swimming pool and make other improvements at O’Neil Park on the city’s west side.… MORE
Normal Police say teen shot Monday afternoon
Police in Normal say they’re investigating a shooting involving a teenager Monday afternoon.… MORE
State senator discourages privatization of water utilities
When the water utility is privatized, the private owner sees the money flow like … water, according to the Citizens Utility Board.… MORE
Bloomington Dr. says its not recommended to take medicine before receiving COVID-19 vaccine
A Bloomington doctor says it’s not recommended to take any premedication before receiving the first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.… MORE
Some lawmakers want to commemorate a connection between Martin Luther King Jr. and Springfield
Across the street from the Capitol, the Illinois State Armory is not much to look at. It’s a hulk, unused and fallen into disrepair.… MORE
83 new coronavirus cases in McLean County
McLean County has surpassed 15,000 coronavirus cases as local health officials Monday reported 83 new cases.… MORE
ISU Opts Out of Last Four Games
A day after Illinois State picked up its first win of the season, the team announces it’s opting out of the rest of the spring season.… MORE
MCHD reports two COVID-related deaths
McLean County health department officials report two more McLean County residents 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…