The Illinois Senate has approved a 12-year extension of the tax increment financing district in Uptown Normal.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Streator woman dead, 3 in custody after shooting
Three suspects are in police custody after a woman was shot and killed Tuesday night in Streator.… MORE
Man who streamed fight on Facebook Live sentenced to jail
A Bloomington man has been sentenced to six months in jail for video streaming a fight between two women during which one woman became exposed.… MORE
Rep. Brady: ‘Encouraged’ by state budget talks as deadline looms
Illinois’ key budget deadline is barely a week away and one of the state’s budget negotiators says he believes lawmakers can break a three-year trend and get a budget done on time.… MORE
LaHood leads effort for US to bid for 2026 World Cup
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, is taking part in effort to kickstart a bid for the United States to host soccer’s World Cup in 2026.… MORE
Water main break in Downs
A water main break in Downs has left some residents without water while repairs are made.… MORE
Attorney for ex-pastor accused of abuse: Reserve judgment until facts are known
An attorney for the former pastor accused of physically abusing his infant daughter is asking the public to reserve judgment about the case until the facts are known.… MORE
YWCA keynoter hopes to inspire others to overcome fears of cultural differences
Fear is standing in the way of understanding our cultural differences, according to a human resources expert who seeks to inspire others to overcome their biases.… MORE
County Board’s vice chair thinks he knows Rauner’s view on Rivian
McLean County Board vice chairman Jim Soeldner said he suspects Governor Rauner supports Rivian Automotive, and recent comments about the automaker were critical of Illinois’ business climate but not Rivian.… MORE
YWCA McLean County honors 2018 Women of Distinction
YWCA McLean County honored eight Women of Distinction as part of the 29th annual awards banquet, held Tuesday night in Uptown 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…