By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Community groups representing the Springfield area and the state celebrated Monday at the state Capitol – as the new law ending cash bail took effect. State Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) has a response for those who criticize the new law as putting counties into a financial crunch. “We’ve put additional…… MORE
Southern Illinois company will supply combat boots to the U.S. Army
When soldiers put their boots on the ground … those boots will soon be coming from Illinois.… MORE
Town of Normal celebrates 125 years of Fell Park
Community members and town leaders came together Sunday morning in Normal to celebrate 125 years of Fell Park.… MORE
Illinois State Police conduct dig in Pontiac
Authorities in Livingston County wrapped up an investigation late last week into an ‘anomaly’ in a garage.… MORE
Pair of men facing weapon charges in McLean County
A pair of men are facing weapon charges in McLean County.… MORE
Normal Community remains unbeaten; tops Peoria High in Week 4 shootout
By Jake Fogal NORMAL – The Ironmen have not only survived the gauntlet through four weeks of the regular season, but instead have proven that they belong at the top after defeating Peoria High in Week 4 63-42. The Ironmen are up to 4-0 on the season and have also added wins over Sacred Heart…… MORE
Sorensen, LaHood discuss budget, potential government shutdown
By WMBD-TV PEORIA – As legislators return to Capitol Hill for the new fall session, the top item on the agenda is passing the budget to avoid a government shutdown. If Congress does not pass a budget by Sept. 30, the government effectively runs out of money and will be at a standstill. This means…… MORE
Illinois’ second-in-command return from Japan
A delegation led by Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is back from Japan, and she believes the trade mission met its goal.… MORE
Lawmakers pushing to bring new IRS facility to Bloomington, bringing new jobs
By Blake Haas BLOOMINGTON – New jobs could be coming to the twin cities with a new Internal Revenue Service facility. This week, U.S. Representatives Eric Sorensen and Jan Schakowsky joined U.S. Senator Dick Durbin in a letter to the IRS supporting a new taxpayer correspondence print and mail management facility in Bloomington. According to…… MORE
Updated 2023 crop yield forecast
The updated harvest forecast shows 198 bushels of corn per acre and 61 bushels of soybeans per acre in Illinois. … 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…