Race in the workplace. A new University of Illinois study suggests there’s room for improvement… MORE
Downtown Bloomington coffee shop closes, shifts focus to Downs location
A coffee shop in downtown Bloomington has poured their last cup.… MORE
Seasonal respiratory cases down across the state
According to leaders at the Illinois Department of Public Health, seasonal respiratory cases are down statewide.… MORE
House tax bill seeks to increase affordable housing
By WMBD-TV PEORIA – Two provisions in the bipartisan American Families and Workers Act intend to address the nationwide housing crisis by creating more affordable housing opportunities. The bill will expand and strengthen low-income housing tax credits by reducing bond financing requirements and increasing the amount of credits given to states. The affordable housing provisions come from…… MORE
Tazewell County cyber incident “nearly resolved”, board chairman says
By WMBD-TV TAZEWELL COUNTY – November’s cyber security incident in Tazewell County left the county in a dire situation internet-wise. However, they are now “95% back” according to county board chairman David Zimmerman. The county’s internal internet, used for things like requesting days off, is still down. Township assessors are also still unable to log…… MORE
Gov. Pritzker shares thoughts on violent crime during rally in Chicago
Violent crime in Chicago is on the way down – double-digit decreases two years in a row.… MORE
McLean County Investigators reopening 42-year old cold case
42-years after being found dead from an apparent suicide, McLean County prosecutors want to learn more about why a McLean County woman died.… MORE
LeRoy man faces multiple charges after arrest
A McLean County man remains behind bars after being arrested in LeRoy. … MORE
‘National Unclaimed Property Day’ kicks off the month of February
By WMBD-TV SPRINGFIELD – Thursday is “National Unclaimed Property Day,” and Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging all Illinois residents to check for unclaimed cash and property. In a release from Frerichs’ office, he shows how easy it is to get the unclaimed cash or property back into the rightful owner’s hands. “Putting money…… MORE
Bloomington lawmaker backing bill to make life easier for family farmers
Farming is backbreaking work, and the estate tax family farmer owns when, say, the patriarch or matriarch passes away can be bank-breaking.… 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…