The Normal Police Department responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash shortly after 8:20 p.m. last night.… MORE
Rose criticizes Democrats who killed his public aid abuse proposals
State Senator Chapin Rose is criticizing Chicago Democrats who killed his proposals to crack down on public aid abuse.… MORE
State manufacturers group says Illinois has added only one job every two months
The Illinois Manufacturing Association is pushing for policy changes to keep the state from lagging behind its neighbors in job growth.… MORE
Durkin: Blame for no action on budget falls with majority Democrats
It’s halftime at the state capitol and House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, says Democrats are trying to ensure Gov. Bruce Rauner and Republicans don’t get any points.… MORE
Retailers shift focus as more fall victim to online sales
Gordman’s, Payless Shoes and GameStop are the latest national retailers to announce store closings, but the National Retail Federation said brick-and-mortar stores are still alive and well.… MORE
B-N Police Blotter: Fri. March 31, 2017
A look at reported offenses in Bloomington, Normal and on the Illinois State University campus. Reports do not indicate confirmed offenses.… MORE
Washington Street in Bloomington to close
Washington Street between Gas Avenue and Western Avenue will be closed to through traffic beginning April 3 through May 3 for railroad traffic work. … MORE
State high court’s answer on hospital’s property tax exemption still a ways off
Opposing sides of a case about whether hospitals are exempt from paying property taxes agree – there needs to be clarity about what constitutes charity care.… MORE
Illinois lawmaker wants to expand crossbow use
State Rep. Sue Scherer has unveiled legislation that will likely be music to the ears of hunters. … MORE
Mid Central Community Action receives Ameren grant
id Central Community Action has received a $50,000 grant from Ameren Illinois to assist clients who are apart of MCCA’s income support program.… 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…