Illinois farmers appear to have made up for a slow start

By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 6.1 days suitable for field work during the week ending June 26, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 76.4 degrees, 2.6 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.00 inches, 0.08 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 9 percent very short, 22 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 1…MORE

Council votes 5-3 for Bloomington’s second cannabis dispensary

By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council has approved the city’s second cannabis dispensary for recreational use, although three of the newest council members voted no. The council Monday night granted Project Equity’s request for a special use permit to open a dispensary at 1006 JC Parkway, close to Walmart and Blain’s Farm…MORE

“Didn’t surprise, still shocking,” says an ISU professor regarding Roe v. Wade reversal

By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The blindsiding decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse Roe v. Wade ruling on abortion rights from 1973 has overturned 50 years of precedent and given state legislators the authority to regulate or outlaw abortion. Pro-Lifers are celebrating the recall, while Pro-Choicers are protesting in cities across the country.…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…