With schools being funded largely by property taxes, District 87 superintendent, Dr. Barry Reilly, is concerned what a potential loss of the mall could mean for Bloomington schools.… MORE
Category Archives: Politics
Gov. Pritzker please with progress Illinoisans are making to defeat COVID-19
Gov. JB Pritzker is pleased with the progress Illinoisans are making to defeat coronavirus — so far! History may repeat itself.… MORE
One local politician isn’t behind a second stimulus check
A Downstate Congressman – and former federal and county prosecutor – says for the most part, law enforcement professionals are good people who do a good job.… MORE
Protesters calling for change have backing from Bloomington City Council
Elected leaders in Bloomington said they are listening to protesters demanding the end of systematic racism in law enforcement after George Floyd died in Minneapolis Police custody.… MORE
Bloomington council parts ways with Grossinger management firm
The management firm that has run Grossinger Motors Arena for the past four years is no longer in charge of the city-owned venue.… MORE
Ideas formed at Black Lives Matter BloNo public meeting
The sixth group was a caucus for black leaders and attendees to set the agenda moving ahead, providing tangible and attainable ideas.… MORE
Members of Illinois Legislative Black Caucus want special session
The case of George Floyd and everything related to it is no less important than coronavirus, says State Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago), and that’s why he and other members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus are calling for an emergency special session in Springfield.… MORE
Gov. Pritzker calls out National Guard to support Chicago police
The National Guard’s been called out to support Chicago police during the rioting over the death of George Floyd at the knee of a Minneapolis cop. While decrying the violence which has grown from the protests, Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot still has a hard time processing now-former-Officer Derek Chauvin’s actions.… MORE
Welcome to Phase III: Outdoor dining is now available among many other things
Emphasizing there is still a long way to go before coronavirus is beaten, Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Department of Public Health director Dr. Ngozi Ezike (pictured) welcomed Illinoisans Friday to Phase Three of the state’s Restore Illinois program.… MORE
U of I expert says COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on Illinois’ economy is unique
The pandemic’s effect on Illinois’ economy is unique, as a University of Illinois expert says in a new report from a task force. For one thing, not only does it carry a lasting public health threat, but, as study co-author Geoffrey Hewings says, the quick, deep drop is a first of its kind thing.… 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…