After almost a year, the novelty of online learning seems to have worn off.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Presidential historian writes new book about George Washington
It’s in fashion now to highlight the flaws of people who used to be heroes.… MORE
ISU’s Dietz plans for ‘traditional’ fall semester thanks to COVID vaccine
Illinois State University is planning for a much more traditional semester next fall with students returning to the classroom instead of taking most or all of their classes online.… MORE
UPDATE: LeRoy man identified in I-74 crash
The victim of a crash Thursday morning on Interstate 74 has been identified.… MORE
Secretary of State’s office reminding drivers to follow Scott’s Law
Motorists are being reminded to move over and slow down for all stopped emergency vehicles.… MORE
MCHD reports five additional COVID-related deaths
Local health officials Friday reported five additional COVID-related deaths in McLean County.… MORE
Senator Barickman “stunned” by Gov. Pritzker’s “harsh political rhetoric” during the budget address
Just days removed from Gov. Pritzker’s budget address, one state senator says he was “stunned” by the Governors’ “harsh political rhetoric” during his speech.… MORE
Central Illinois regional COVID vaccination site is at the state fairgrounds
State and Sangamon County leaders showed off central Illinois’ regional mass vaccination site Thursday.… MORE
LeRoy man dies in I-74 crash
A 28-year-old man from LeRoy died in a crash early Thursday morning in DeWitt County, according to Illinois State Police.… MORE
Heart of Illinois school district, Twin-Cities-based Special Olympics among victims in fraud scheme
Federal prosecutors revealed Thursday a Heart of Illinois school district was the victim of a lucrative fraud scheme plotted by its former technology coordinator, who also may have victimized Special Olympics Illinois, based in Normal.… 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…