If you know anything about Pat Quinn, you know the former governor has to be all over a property tax referendum that is on the Nov. 5 ballot.… MORE
Category Archives: Top Stories
Red Cross says blood donations are “Critically Needed”
By WMBD-TV PEORIA – The American Red Cross is asking for people to help donate blood, platelets and plasma to those affected by recent hurricanes. The Red Cross said in a news release that blood and platelet donations are “critically needed” to help restore their supplies. The recent storms and their aftermath have forced more…… MORE
Illinois to award $27 Million in grants for electric buses to reduce pollution
By WMBD-TV ILLINOIS – In an effort to reduce air pollution caused by public transportation, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is offering up $27 million to some of the state’s transit agencies to buy electric buses. “It’s no secret that transportation is the leading source of climate pollution—and it’s now time to incorporate a cleaner,…… MORE
Former McLean County jailer receives probation for ‘inappropriate relationship’ with inmate
A woman who used to work at the McLean County Jail has been sentenced to probation for having an “inappropriate relation” with an inmate.… MORE
Annual report shows gains in some areas of gambling may come at others’ expense
Illinois surpassed $2 billion in tax revenue last year from all types of gambling and the state lottery – a record bolstered by continued growth in video gambling, sports betting and the opening of several new casinos.… MORE
Report: Lawyers bully lawyers
An Urbana native who was bullied in high school made bullying her 2003 Miss America platform – and now has supervised a report on bullying in the legal profession. … MORE
Growmark set to reach $1 million donated to Midwest Food Bank
Midwest Food Bank and GROWMARK are holding a ceremony to commemorate GROWMARK’s $1 million worth of donations to the food bank… MORE
Man taken into custody after gun situation in Tremont
By WMBD-TV TREMONT – A man was taken into custody Sunday afternoon for allegedly having a gun in the middle of the village of Tremont. According to the Tremont Police Facebook page, the 38-year-old man allegedly had a shotgun and surrendered to police. He was taken to an area hospital for evaluation. No one was…… MORE
Illinois State Police investigate another Sangamon County officer-involved death
Illinois State Police launched an investigation into the death of a Kansas man during a multi-county pursuit on Sept. 22 by Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputies.… MORE
Heartland Community College opens renovated student center
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Heartland Community College is celebrating the opening of a renovated space designed to help assist students outside the classroom. It will feature a space dedicated to student success, well-being and even a game room. Heartland had a celebration with students to commemorate the opening. They provided food and music and even…… 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…