Illinois lawmakers missed a self-imposed deadline of May 19 to finish their work for the spring, as there was never even a hint of a budget.… MORE
Seventh graders at Kinglsey Junior High have Genius Hour Open House
By WMBD-TV On Thursday, students at Kingsley Junior High School had a chance to showcase their talents at the Genius Hour Open House. Genius Hour, or 20% Time, is a way to explore your creativity during part of your work day. This practice is how Post-It Notes and Gmail were invented. Administrators have incorporated the…… MORE
Lawmakers expect to be back next week for the Illinois General Assembly
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – When the leaders of the Illinois General Assembly drew up their 2023 schedule, today – May 19 – was supposed to be the last day of the session. But the lawmakers will have to be in some more days – probably next week – to consider a budget for the…… MORE
Gun found in student vehicle at El Paso Gridley High School
By WMBD-TV WOODFORD COUNTY – A gun was found in a student’s vehicle on El Paso Gridley High School property on Wednesday. According to Crimewatch.net, the student was immediately removed from class, and the vehicle was searched after a report of a firearm on school grounds. An unloaded gun was found in a carrying case in…… MORE
Kitchen fire in Normal injures one and displaces two
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – A Wednesday evening kitchen fire in an Normal apartment injured one person and displaced two, the fire department reported Thursday. According to a news release from the Normal Fire Department, firefighters responded to 103 W. Willow St., shortly before 10 p.m. on a report of a stove fire. When they arrived, they…… MORE
Illinois Senate could soon vote on bathroom bill
HB 1286 awaits full Senate action.… MORE
Normal Public Library deciding on how to move forward with asbestos issue
On Wednesday, the Board of Trustees sat through a presentation from Studio GC, a Chicago-based architecture firm to explain the details of the situation.… MORE
Bloomington mayor appointed to a new position by Governor Pritzker
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – The Illinois Workforce Innovation Board (IWIB) will soon welcome its newest appointed member, Bloomington mayor Mboka Mwilambwe. According to a City of Bloomington press release, Governor Pritzker appointed Mwilambwe for the position. “As the Mayor of Bloomington, Mboka Mwilambwe works tirelessly to advance the needs of his constituents, overseeing a growing…… MORE
Senate bill advocates for income tax credit for volunteer firefighters
By Jake Fogal SPRINGFIELD – A bill in the Senate that would provide a $500 state income tax credit for volunteer firefighters is picking up steam in the final week of session down in Springfield. The proposal asks for the state budget to include an income tax credit, which would support Illinois’ dire need for…… MORE
COVID-19 remains a problem amidst the Public Health Emergency ending
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The Federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency came to a close last week, but that does not mean the virus is going anywhere, according to a local health official. Jessica McKnight with the McLean County Health Department says just because the Public Emergency has ended, that doesn’t mean you can’t get…… 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…