By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Labor union membership in Illinois grew by about 16,000 last year, compared to the year before. Frank Manzo IV, executive director of the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, says his report could support an argument for a constitutional amendment on the Illinois ballot this fall. “The Workers’ Rights Amendment would guarantee…… MORE
Normal’s mayor advocates for passenger rail systems in front of US Senate panel
By 25 News NORMAL – The long-time mayor of Normal was on Capitol Hill Wednesday to speak in front of a Senate transportation committee. Mayor Chris Koos was nominated to serve on the Amtrak Board of Directors and spoke about his experience with Uptown Station in Normal. “The key to its success is partnership and…… MORE
Former Rivian worker sues automaker for failing to halt sexual harassment at local plant
By 25 News NORMAL – A Bloomington woman, who worked at Rivian Automotive in Normal, has filed a federal lawsuit against the company claiming the sexual harassment she suffered was so intolerable that she had to leave her job in April of this year. She claimed in her lawsuit Rivian failed to deal with “unlawful…… MORE
Regional Supt.: Teacher shortage “exacerbated by the pandemic”
According to the Regional Education Office’s top brass, a national teacher shortage is beginning to impact central Illinois schools.… MORE
Gas prices fall a few cents in latest gas report
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Gas prices continue their tumble across Illinois but the average price fell only 4.2 cents in the last week, sitting at $4.10 a gallon. According to GasBuddy, prices in Illinois are 32 cents lower than a month ago and 82 cents higher than a year ago. GasBuddy price reports show…… MORE
No harvest to speak of yet in Illinois
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.5 days suitable for field work during the week ending September 4, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 72.6 degrees, 0.9 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.36 inches, 0.57 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 9 percent very short, 21 percent short, 66 percent adequate, and 4…… MORE
Enrollment numbers up at Heartland Community College
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – Enrollment numbers for the fall 2022 semester are up at Heartland Community College. According to a news release, there is a two percent increase in the number of Heartland undergraduate students. The largest gains are seen in minority student enrollment which is up 13 percent over fall of 2021 and…… MORE
State Sen. Bailey meets with Sheriffs from around the state to discuss the resumption of cash bail
A gathering of sheriffs in Springfield Tuesday gave State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) another opportunity to present himself as the law-and-order candidate for governor against incumbent Democrat JB Pritzker in November.… MORE
Possible closures, consolidations coming to Peoria parishes
The Diocese of Peoria is looking to grow their reach, but they may be doing some pruning first.… MORE
Small businesses in McLean County, elsewhere, eligible for disaster loans
Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to small businesses and other small organizations in McLean County and elsewhere if they sustained economic losses because of drought that began on July 5, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.… 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…