The recent terrorist attacks in Paris has caused some travelers to be a little uneasy.… MORE
Category Archives: Scott Laughlin
Koos to retire as McLean Co. Museum of History director
He’s as much a Bloomington institution as the museum he’s leaving after nearly four decades.… MORE
Washington demonstrates rebound in two years following tornado
The Tazewell County city of Washington is well on the road to recovery as it marks the two-year anniversary of a devastating tornado, according to the city planner who said 90 percent of the damaged homes are being rebuilt.… MORE
Durbin concerned about how to screen Syrian refugees
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said he understands why Illinois and other states have moved to stop Syrian refugees from coming into their states following last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris, though he’s not sure that can even be done.… MORE
Rep. Davis: VA still plagued by long delays
As the line of patients waiting to get care at Veterans Affairs hospitals grows, U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis’ patience is wearing thin.… MORE
Renner: Parks and rec likely starting point in budget cuts
By Eric Stock BLOOMINGTON – Mayor Tari Renner said he expects parks and recreation will be the ‘low-hanging fruit’ for alderman when the city council holds two budget-cutting retreats next week. Renner told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin many parks and rec programs recoup most of their cost, but that still leaves a $7 million hole. PODCAST:…… MORE
Baby Fold counts on Festival of Trees fundraiser during budget deadlock
By Eric Stock BLOOMINGTON – The Festival of Trees is hoping for a more festive look this year. Melissa Engel is special events coordinator for the Baby Fold in Normal which is hosting the 22nd annual event at the Interstate Center Nov. 19-22. PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Colleen’s interview with Engel on WJBC. “We’ve…… MORE
Clare House founder named Don Munson Spirit award winner
A woman who has feed the hungry and sheltered battered women in Bloomington-Normal has been honored for her decades of service to the community.… MORE
Barickman proposes debates to resolve budget showdown
Illinois is known for the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates. State Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, suggests such a format could be the solution to the state’s months-long budget showdown.… MORE
Bloomington budget critic bypasses task force
It’s not that he’s against cutting the budget, Bloomington alderman Kevin Lower has a problem with the process.… 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…