Unit 5 has paid nearly a $250,000 in fines because of a 10-year-old law meant to keep pensions from spiking before retirement.… MORE
Category Archives: Scott Laughlin
ISU expert: Flamingo wing clipping helps zoo education
A zoology expert at Illinois State University said he backs the practice of clipping flamingo wings which has angered some activists who are upset the birds are being brought to Miller Park Zoo next year.… MORE
Petition urges Bloomington to end flamingo ‘mutilation’
An online petition signed by more than 300 people claims the removing the tips of a flamingos wings is ‘mulitation’ and calls on Bloomington city leaders to ban the practice when a new flamingo exhibit opens at the Miller Park Zoo next year.… MORE
CIRA partners with other groups on business marketing strategy
A coalition of local business groups will be releasing its findings next week as it looks to strengthen the area’s economic competitiveness.… MORE
Hales: Bloomington has taken steps to curb pension spiking
Bloomington city manger David Hales said the issue of spiking pensions is not as big of a problem now as its been in years past.… MORE
LaHood: Illinois’ lack of a budget ‘ridiculous’
State Sen. Darin Lahood (R-Peoria) called it ‘ridiculous’ that Illinois still doesn’t have a budget nearly two months after the last budget expired.… MORE
Barnett announces candidacy for McLean County Board
The primary election for the McLean County Board is seven months away and the current vice chairman of the county’s Republican party is throwing his hat into the ring.… MORE
Reflection tent to return to Bloomington Race for the Cure
A new feature to last year’s Race for the Cure in Bloomington is back by popular demand.
… MORE
Comptroller meets with service providers on budget impasse
The state’s bill payer is coming to Bloomington-Normal on Wednesday, but she’s not coming to hand out money.… MORE
Ex-ISU, CCHS star Highland looks to make New Orleans Saints’ roster
First he made it to training camp, now he’s trying to make it a career in the National Football League.… 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…