In what has turned into a struggling year for farmers, President Joe Biden announced millions of dollars in relief funds during a stop in Kankakee on Wednesday.… MORE
Gov. Pritzker calling on Congress to protect women’s reproductive rights
Gov. Pritzker urges Congress to act quickly to protect women’s reproductive rights.… MORE
Help’s available for farmers who need mental health counseling
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Arguably, few jobs are more stressful than farming, and the current wet conditions don’t help. “People in agriculture are independent. They don’t like asking for help. They think they can do things on their own,” said State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield). “They need support, they need help, just like the…… MORE
Bloomington school board member charged with felony DUI, obstructing justice
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – District 87 School Board member Fitzgerald Samedy is free on bond following his arrest last weekend for drunken driving on Bloomington’s east side. DUI charges were upgraded to felonies because he’s a repeat offender and his driver’s license had been revoked, according to court documents. Saturday evening, Bloomington Police said…… MORE
Green Gables owner: Grief is setting in for sure
By Neil Doyle HUDSON – The owner of Green Gables says she and her family are devastated after a fire tore down the iconic establishment Monday afternoon. Amy Tague says Green Gables has been in her family since her grandparents bought the property in 1952. “The grief is setting in for sure. It is a…… MORE
State leaders hold annual firefighter’s memorial ceremony
A warm, hazy morning Tuesday greeted those attending the annual firefighters’ memorial ceremony outside the Capitol.… MORE
City of Bloomington introduces new restaurant Egg Republic
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – A new restaurant is coming to the City of Bloomington. Egg Republic will be moving into the vacant property on Chancellor Drive that once occupied Café Italia Ristorante. The new egg themed restaurant will be owned and operated by Jack Pinjolli, who has 12 years of experience in restaurant business…… MORE
Cool and damp weather again hindered Illinois farmers
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 1.7 days suitable for field work during the week ending May 8, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 53.9 degrees, 4.7 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.56 inches, 0.53 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 1 percent short, 49 percent adequate, and 50 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture…… MORE
Political newcomer takes his seat as Bloomington alderman
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council is backing Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe’s pick to fill a council vacancy even though an alderman complained the selection is part of the mayor’s plan to move the council to the right. Monday night, the council voted 6-2 to approve Grant Walch to replace Jamie Mathy as…… MORE
BPD probing shots fired on city’s east side
By A.J. Harris BLOOMINGTON – Police are investigating a shots fired incident that happened Monday morning on Bloomington’s east side. At approximately 7:56 a.m., Bloomington Police Officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of Orchard Road for a shots fired call. Upon arrival, officers found physical evidence that a shooting had occurred. The circumstances behind…… 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…