With toilet paper flying off the shelves, many households are increasing their use of “flushable” wipes, but Illinois American Water warns against flushing these items down the toilet.… MORE
Mid-West Truckers Association applauding governor’s decision to waive overweight trucking permits
An Illinois trucking leader applauded the governor’s decision to waive overweight trucking permits for the movement of emergency relief supplies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.… MORE
Illinois’ COVID-19 shutdowns could hit taxpayers as local governments brace for impact
Local governments across the state anticipate COVID-19-related closures will squeeze municipal budgets.… MORE
Illinois municipal leaders seek emergency powers for curfew, gas and gun sales bans amid pandemic
Municipal officials throughout the state are considering measures to grant local leaders emergency powers to ban the sale of things such as guns, gasoline and liquor as concerns over the spread of COVID-19 mount.… MORE
New website addresses local concerns during coronavirus pandemic
Some local groups have created a new portal that will serve as a resource for individuals, businesses, and organizations in McLean County during the coronavirus pandemic.… MORE
Heartland going online for remainder of spring term
Heartland Community College will transition to online instruction for the remainder of the spring semester.… MORE
Hy-Vee announces new hour for customers considered “high risk”
In response to COVID-19 and higher demand, Hy-vee announced its opening up an hour earlier for customers considered “high risk.”… MORE
Public health officials announce 128 new coronavirus cases in Illinois
State health officials are reporting 128 new cases of coronavirus in Illinois, bringing the state total to 288.… MORE
Director of ISP urges restaurants to follow governors order
Pausing much of your business – a restaurant dining room – is a sacrifice, but the state police urge you to follow the governor’s order.… MORE
Illinois Primary numbers show low voter turnout due to COVID-19 fears
Illinois was one of three states that went ahead with primaries Tuesday, and preliminary numbers show voter turnout for Tuesday’s election was low.… 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…