Illinois State University President Larry Dietz Friday announced he will retire at the end of June as the university’s 19th president.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Bloomington leaders take wait-and-see approach before issuing mask-wearing rule
A mandatory mask-wearing ordinance is not in Bloomington’s immediate future, but City Manager Tim Gleason said leaders are “definitely watching” how the community responds this weekend to COVID-19 restrictions.… MORE
MCHD reports 48th COVID-related death; 178 new cases
A McLean County man in his 80s has died from coronavirus complications.… MORE
Convicted Twin-Cities child killer sentenced to life in prison
A Twin-Cities woman convicted of killing an eight-year old girl has been ordered to spend the rest of her life in prison.… MORE
Gov. Pritzker says Speaker should quit if he wont answer questions about bribery investigation
Gov. JB Pritzker says House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) faces a reckoning.… MORE
Heartland College eyes training program for mental health workers, school’s master plan calls for ag complex
A first-of-its-kind program in Illinois is close to becoming reality as Heartland Community College looks to meet a growing need in the area for mental health professionals.… MORE
Ferrero plans $75M expansion in Bloomington for chocolate factory
The third largest confectionary company in the world is planning a $75 million chocolate factory in Bloomington.… MORE
Sen. Durbin calls on President Trump to work with President-elect Biden on COVID vaccine distribution
Coronavirus cases are on the rise, and Illinois’s Senior U.S. Senator says President Trump needs to work with President-elect Joe Biden to prepare for vaccine distribution. … MORE
McLean County Board race shows every vote counts
A McLean County Board seat has apparently flipped to the Democrats two weeks after election day.… MORE
MCHD health officials warn of “difficult winter” as officials mark 46th COVID death
Local health officials warn of a “very difficult winter” as another McLean County resident has died due to COVID-19, marking the county’s 46th death.… 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…