The “remove the statue” movement has come to Springfield. House Speaker Mike Madigan’s office says he wants to get the ball rolling to remove the portrait of Stephen Douglas from the House floor and remove the statues of Douglas and Pierre Menard from in front of the Capitol. The statement says there is no place to honor those who were involved with slavery and bigotry. … MORE
Rep. Davis: “I know schools are going to do the best they can” when reopening
While Coronavirus cases continuing to rise, President Trump is threatening to pull federal funding for school if they don’t open in the fall; however one local lawmaker says it should be up to the schools to make the decision.… MORE
As Redbirds Return this fall, campus will look different
Aspects of the student experience, both academic and social, will change, and Dietz says he has trust in ISU students to act responsibly.… MORE
MCHD announces 15th COVID-19 death
Another person has died due to complications from COVID-19, the McLean County Health Department reports.… MORE
Additional federal charges filed against accused cop killer captured last year in Logan County
A Springfield man faces additional federal charges more than a year after he allegedly shot-to-death a police officer in Rockford and led authorities on a chase ending with his capture in Logan County.… MORE
Normal Walmart requiring customers to wear face coverings
To ensure customers’ health and safety, Walmart in Normal has implemented a new change.… MORE
Local health officials announce eight new cases of COVID-19
Coronavirus cases continue to rise in McLean County with local health officials reporting eight new cases.… MORE
Gov. Pritzker calls for national mask mandate
He’s said it many times in Illinois, and now he’s telling a U.S. House committee about it.… MORE
Black Lives Matter flag leads to eviction
Bloomington Resident Donavon Burton says he was handed an eviction notice from his landlord, First Site, after refusing to take down a Black Lives Matter flag he had hung from his balcony.… MORE
Sheriff condemns bond help
By Heart of Illinois, ABC BLOOMINGTON – McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage is lashing out at the Bloomington-Normal chapter of Black Lives Matter for teaming with another organization to post bond for suspects arrested for looting and other crimes. According to Sandage, Black Lives Matter and the Chicago Community Bond Fund posted $87,705 to…… 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…