Here’s another report about how nonwhite children are at a disadvantage.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Will travel pick back up in 2021?
A local travel agent believes there could be a big boom for the hospitality and travel industries over the next few months.… MORE
McLean County adds 12 new cases of coronavirus
McLean County’s rolling positivity rate inched up to 2.4% as local health officials Thursday reported 12 new cases of COVID-19.… MORE
Unit 5 Superintendent: Staff vaccination around 65%
Many teachers and staff in Unit 5 have had the opportunity to get a COVID-19 vaccine, according to Superintendent Dr. Kristen Weikle.… MORE
Financial Advisor: Economy could improve rapidly as more vaccines become available
As the number of COVID-19 cases slowly declines, one financial advisor, says the economy could improve rapidly as more vaccines become available.… MORE
ISU graduate teaching assistants say contract talks enter ‘strike readiness’ phase
The union representing more than 400 graduate teaching assistants at Illinois State University said it’s entering a “strike readiness” phase because the university and union are far from reaching agreement on a first contract.… MORE
Steak ‘n Shake, founded in Normal, stakes future on self-service
An iconic restaurant chain that started in Normal 87 years ago is shaking up the way customers are served, aiming to stay afloat after the pandemic.… MORE
Illinois Democrats select new party chairwoman
Illinois Democrats chose U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Matteson) to be their new state party chairwoman. … MORE
Unknown cause ignites Pontiac business
An auto repair shop in Pontiac might be a total loss from a fire that happened there Wednesday evening.… MORE
Night In A Car raises over $130,000
The fifth annual “Night In A Car” had over 300 participants locally and across the country – raising over $130,000 for Home Sweet Home Ministries in Bloomington.… 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…