Category Archives: Uncategorized

Scott Miller – Rhine River 2022

Scott Miller – Rhine River 2022

For seven days I sailed the Rhine River on the AmaSerena with around 80 people, the majority of which were from McLean County.  We visited France, Germany, Switzerland, and Amsterdam. To say we were wined and dined the entire way is an understatement. Direct Travel has been kind enough to invite me to host 2 other…MORE

The re-election campaign is on for the governor

The re-election campaign is on for the governor

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – One of the first things Gov. JB Pritzker did after defeating a nominal opponent in Tuesday’s primary was to sit for two days of interviews with statehouse reporters. He told WJBC’s Dave Dahl that “anti-corruption” Aurora mayor Richard Irvin turned out to be corrupt himself, and that Republican primary winner…MORE

Gov. JB Pritzker calling special session to address reproductive rights

Gov. JB Pritzker calling special session to address reproductive rights

By WJBC Staff CHICAGO – Gov. JB Pritzker is calling for a special session in Springfield to address reproductive rights in the state after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The governor issued the following statement: In Illinois, we trust women. Despite the action of the Supreme Court today overturning Roe v. Wade,…MORE

Town’s council system subject of petition drive

Town’s council system subject of petition drive

By HOI ABC NORMAL – Voters in the Town of Normal may see a referendum on the November ballot. It depends if petitioners can get enough signatures to change from at-large representation to a district system on the town council. There are six council members representing roughly 54,000 residents in Normal and it’s always been…MORE

Central Catholic names new athletic director

Central Catholic names new athletic director

By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Central Catholic High School has announced the hiring of Nate Thomas as its next athletic director. Thomas begins his duties in July, succeeding Hud Venerable, who retires on June 30 after five years with the Saints. “Nate brings with him experience at the collegiate level and is committed to Central…MORE

State Farm ends partnership with group promoting LGBTQ+ education

State Farm ends partnership with group promoting LGBTQ+ education

By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – State Farm Insurance is ending its partnership with an organization promoting education about transgender youth, saying the topic should not be required learning in schools. The Bloomington-based company acknowledges its support for the “philanthropic” program GenderCool, has been the subject of news and customer inquiries. Backlash against State Farm included an…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…