More than 400 workers employed at the Bridgestone tire factory in northeast Normal will be back on the job Monday.… MORE
Constitutional attorney questions rules for churches under Illinois’ stay-at-home order
Houses of worship across the state are planning to hold Easter and Passover services online to comply with Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order, which was implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19.… MORE
IWU commencement ceremony planned for August
While many universities have decided to hold a virtual commencement due to COVID-19, Illinois Wesleyan University plans to hold its annual spring ceremony in the summer.… MORE
McLean County Libertarian Party asks police not to use enforcement, allow vape shops to sell products during stay-at-home order
Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner this week signed a proclamation “reaffirming” Gov. JB Pritzker’s order limiting gatherings of 10 or more people during the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home order. Now, the Libertarian Party of McLean County is asking that police not enforce such mandates with the threat of arrest or fines.… MORE
Sheriff blasts advocates seeking McLean County Jail inmates’ release during pandemic
McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage said Tuesday “social justice warriors” have crossed the line in their methods to push for the release of jail inmates who can’t afford to post bond before their trials.… MORE
Livingston County health officials report one additional COVID-19 case
Livingston County health officials on Wednesday announced one new case of COVID-19, bringing the county total to 11.… MORE
Illinois sees largest increase in COVID-19 numbers
The fact that this is an important week on many religious calendars is not lost on the state’s top doctor, but Illinois Department of Public Health director Dr. Ngozi Ezike says to stay home anyway — and stay away from others.… MORE
State lawmaker is speaking out in the wake of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s executive order allowing prisoner furloughs
A state lawmaker is looking for answers following Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s executive order allowing prisoner furloughs.… MORE
MCHD: “We are approaching the peak of that curve” after COVID-19 cases increase to 63
A day after the McLean County Health Department announced the most cases since the COVID-19 pandemic began, health officials announced one new case moving the county total to 63 confirmed cases.… MORE
CEO of Mid-West Truckers Association: ‘Trucking business is strong’
If you pay attention to the billboards or to the signs on the trucks … the trucking companies want you to apply for a job. And the trucking business is strong — if only you can get a commercial driver’s license.… 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…