Bloomington-Normal added jobs during the past year although the Twin Cities’ unemployment rate rose slightly from a year ago.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Labor donation helps Salvation Army shelter recover from water heater rupture
The local Salvation Army is thanking a Bloomington company for its extra help repairing a ruptured water heater.… MORE
Trio accused of reckless conduct, child endangerment released on PR bond
A McLean County judge has released a Bloomington trio on their own recognizance after a three month old baby received second degree burns when the three allegedly accidentally set off a firework in a car.… MORE
Barickman: Illinois residents looking for ‘voice of optimism’ in Gov. race
One Illinois State Senator is hoping the upcoming Governors race get’s ride of the negative outlook that Illinois residents have on the state.… MORE
Vintage vehicles, motorcycles destroyed in overnight garage fire
Overnight fire ruined a detached garage full of vintage vehicles, motorcycles, and a work shop.… MORE
Pontiac native Mercedes Smith: A day aboard the USS William P. Lawrence
Sounds of waves crashing against the side of the missile destroyer made a 2009 Youth Build Mclean County School graduate recount how living in Pontiac would lead her to relationships with service members from all around the world.… MORE
Businesswoman seeks Sage’s Bloomington council seat
A Bloomington alderman who’s served on the city council for just over a decade will have a challenger if he decides to seek another term.… MORE
Bloomington mom among three arrested for fireworks blast that burned baby
A baby is hospitalized with burns and three adults have been arrested for allegedly lighting fireworks that caused the child’s injuries.… MORE
BBB reports telephone utility scam
The local Better Business Bureau reports hearing from area businesses targeted in a likely telephone scam about their utilities.… MORE
Mid Central Community Action launches Financial Opportunity Center
Local Initiatives Support Corporation of Peoria is joining with Mid Central Community Action to realize lifelong goals for residents in Bloomington-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…