By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Average gas prices in Illinois have fallen 11 cents over the past week, averaging $3.65 a gallon, according to GasBuddy. Gas prices in the state are 31 cents cheaper than a month ago and stand 74 cents lower compared to this time last year. According to GasBuddy price reports, some…… MORE
Woman identified as victim in McLean County train collision
Saybrook resident Susan Wright, 75, died after enduring multiple blunt injuries due to a sport utility vehicle and train collision Thursday, according to McLean County Coroner Dr. Kathy Yoder.… MORE
No charges to be filed against U-High substitute teacher, prosecutor says
Charges will not be filed against a former University High School substitute teacher accused of allegedly “putting hands on a student.”… MORE
Panthers preserve undefeated season beating Heyworth 40-19 in Week 7
By Jake Fogal LEROY – Seven weeks, seven wins. That’s the definition of LeRoy’s 2023 football season thus far as the Panthers continued their winning ways in Week 7, beating up on fellow Heart of Illinois Small Conference foe Heyworth, 40-19. “A testament to these kids and how hard they have worked with and for…… MORE
ISP arrest Fairbury police officer for alleged criminal sexual assault
An officer with the Fairbury Police Department has been arrested for alleged criminal sexual abuse.… MORE
Ameren partnering with Google to offer free thermostats
If you’ve been wanting to get a “smart” thermostat but the price tag has been holding you back, for a limited time you won’t have to pay a dime for one.… MORE
Durbin: Finalizing budget must be bipartisan
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) expressed hope that future federal budget discussions will be bipartisan, even after the House vote that removed California representative Kevin McCarthy from the speakership. … MORE
One dead after McLean County crash involving train
A person has died after a crash involving a vehicle and a train just after 1:30 p.m. Thursday.… MORE
New “bio hub” coming to Chicago to eradicated diseases
The Pritzker administration is bragging about a big “get” – a research “biohub” in Chicago that’s part of a Mark Zuckerberg project. … MORE
Rivian automotive shares sink on Wall Street
Rivian Automotive shares sunk on Wall Street Thursday afternoon after the company announced plans to raise over a billion dollars in capital.… 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…