In the heart of the largest pumpkin producing state in the nation, business is booming, according to one of the largest growers in Central Illinois.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Some Illinoisans want to do away with Columbus Day
The movement to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day has hit Illinois.… MORE
19-year-old man charged with solicitation for sex in McLean County
McLean County prosecutors have accused a 19-year old Bloomington man with soliciting a child to have sex with him almost two years ago.… MORE
BPD probing shots fired incident over the weekend
Police are investigating a shots fire incident that happened over the weekend on Bloomington’s west side.… MORE
Bloomington Dr. says experimental COVID treatments helped President recover quickly
An experimental drug given to President Trump to treat COVID-19 could have played a role in the President’s quick recovery, according to a Bloomington Doctor.… MORE
Judge set to rule next month on convicted child killer’s new trial request
Almost a year after a jury found her guilty of killing eight-year old Rica Rountree, Cynthia Baker tried to convince a judge on Friday to grant her a new trial because of an inadequate defense.… MORE
MCHD reports 40 new COVID cases
Local health officials Monday reported 40 new cases of coronavirus as McLean County’s rolling positivity rate inched up to 4%.… MORE
McLean County Board vacancy, lasting only a few weeks, sets off skirmish
A political battle is brewing for an appointment to the McLean County Board that will last for only a few weeks.… MORE
Country Financial to eliminate nearly 200 positions, modify pensions
Country Financial will be eliminating approximately 200 positions throughout the company over the next 15 months.… MORE
Peoria Charter facing closure without state or federal help
The end could be near for a Central Illinois transportation company, calling on the state to help budget shortfalls affected by COVID-19.… 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…