By Eric Stock BLOOMINGTON – Local police are reminding drivers to lock their doors as car thefts have become a crime of opportunity in the Twin Cities. Bloomington Police spokeswoman Sara Mayer said there have been at least 35 stolen vehicles reported in Bloomington-Normal this year, including seven in the last 10 days. “The majority…… MORE
Category Archives: Scott Laughlin
Lincoln historian reflects on final train trip through Bloomington
By Eric Stock BLOOMINGTON – It will be 150 years ago on Sunday that Abraham Lincoln’s body was returned to his Central Illinois homeland after his assassination. Local Lincoln author and historian Guy Fraker told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin, some 5,000 people – more than half of Bloomington’s population at the time – came to see…… MORE
Bloomington explores closing Highland Park golf course
By Eric Stock BLOOMINGTON – After two straight sub-par years for Bloomington golf courses, city officials are wondering whether the city still needs three courses. The city has had to pull $500,000 from its rainy day fund to plug a shortfall in golf operating expenses. City manager David Hales told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin rounds have…… MORE
Lack of ACT funding could pass cost onto students
By Eric Stock NORMAL – Students who count on a good ACT score to get into a good college might have to count on their parents to foot the bill. Unit 5 superintendent Mark Daniel said with state funding for the ACT in question, school districts would have to find funding for students who want…… MORE
Rients wants to bring smaller government to Washington
By Eric Stock BENSON – Political newcomer Donald Rients said he had no plans to get into the special election race for Aaron Schock’s former congressional seat, until he saw the other candidates. “We need somebody that’s going to have integrity, somebody that’s going to make changes or try to make changes and stand by…… MORE
Barickman, Illinois GOP rebuke fund sweep plan
The Illinois Senate could vote as early as Thursday on a measure to sweep $580 million from some state funds to help fill budget gaps.… MORE
Sen. Brady: Rauner needs authority to fix budget mess
Gov. Bruce Rauner is negotiating with the legislative leaders to get authority to sweep funds to help plug immediate shortfalls in the state budget.… MORE
Local educators prepare for new PARCC tests
It's not uncommon for students to have anxiety before taking a test.… MORE
Durbin urges FCC to back net neutrality
Internet service providers wouldn't be able to intentionally slow some traffic as a way to boost revenue under new rules the Federal Communications Commission votes on Thursday.… MORE
Renner: Rauner wants local governments to ‘fall on dagger’ of budget cuts
Bloomington mayor Tari Renner said Gov. Rauner's budget proposal to cut funding for local municipalities is a 'terrible tradeoff.'… 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…