The Illinois Department of Public Health Monday reported 7,214 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus and 103 additional deaths.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
ISU trustees approve COVID-19 testing contract, external search firm for new president
Illinois State University trustees met Saturday and approved a contract for processing COVID-19 tests during the spring semester.… MORE
Illinois’ part of the 2020 presidential election is over
In a vote long on ceremony and short on suspense, Illinois’ twenty electors went for Joe Biden for president and Kamala Harris for vice president.… MORE
Farmers see bright spots in 2020, despite COVID-19
Amid trade wars and the Coronavirus pandemic, 2020 provided a challenging year for farmers; however, there were some bright spots.… MORE
MCHD reports 309 new coronavirus cases
The McLean County Health Department Monday reported 309 new cases of COVID-19 from over the weekend.… MORE
Heroes collect Toys for Tots
First responders partnered with Toys for Tots of McLean County to hold a new event on Saturday.… MORE
Bloomington-Normal unions bring the holiday spirt to local families
Since 1982 the Bloomington-Normal Trades and Labor Assembly collaborated with the McLean County Chamber of Commerce to hold “Christmas for Kids” on Saturday.… MORE
Four more McLean County residents die from COVID-19
McLean County health officials report four additional residents have died from COVID-19, increasing the county’s death total to 69.… MORE
ISU governing board to vote on $1.25 million contract for more COVID testing, decide if outside firm should help find next president
Illinois State University’s governing board is scheduled to meet Saturday morning to extend the school’s contract with a COVID-19 test provider, and also plan for its future without retiring President Larry Dietz.… MORE
Spring break canceled at ISU amid COVID-19 pandemic
Illinois State University’s president announced Thursday there will be no spring break in the spring 2021 semester.… 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…