As unemployment claims in Illinois reach historic numbers during the COVID-19 outbreak, some households are working to manage debts.… MORE
State Farm provides $10 million for loan program to help Central Illinois small businesses
State Farm announced its providing a $10 million low-cost loan to a program that will help Central Illinois small businesses and nonprofits during the coronavirus pandemic. … MORE
Congressional delegation hopes more COVID-19 testing throughout Illinois leads to regional reopening
As more COVID-19 testing sites open in Illinois, a member of Illinois’ congressional delegation urged Gov. J.B. Pritzker to take a regional approach to restart the state’s economy, but the governor has reservations.… MORE
Some federal, state lawmakers say $41 billion bailout request won’t solve Illinois’ fiscal challenges
Some state and federal lawmakers have questioned Illinois Senate Democrats’ request for a $41 billion bailout from the federal government for state and local governments amid the COVID-19 pandemic.… MORE
$22 million surplus won’t go toward stimulus checks for Bloomington residents
Bloomington’s ‘Committee of the Whole’ met Monday via Zoom conference call to discuss the 2021 budget and the possibility of a community stimulus. The meeting started with a presentation of the 2021 budget and how it’s expected to be impacted by COVID-19.… MORE
Pritzker addresses reopening the state
Gov. JB Pritzker is now considering lifting his “stay home” order – if and when he does so – in parts of the state, rather than all at once.… MORE
Illinois lawmakers ask for billions in federal cash beyond CARES Act, say it’s for pensions
Illinois lawmakers – citing the state’s pension costs, budget shortfalls, and empty unemployment trust – are asking for more than $40 billion in no-strings-attached aid from the federal government. … MORE
MCHD announces new cases of COVID-19, moving county total to 86
The McLean County Health Department announced a new case of COVID-19, moving the county total to 86 confirmed cases.… MORE
Two local Congressmen: ‘Don’t count out the protesters’ at state Capitols
Our area’s two Congressmen say – don’t count out the protesters at state Capitols around the nation.… MORE
Congressmen Rodney Davis and Darin LaHood tour COVID-19 testing site in Springfield
A recently closed Walgreen’s store on Springfield’s North End is one of three in the state performing free drive-up coronavirus tests.… 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…