If you’re waiting for Gov Pritzker to close Illinois schools, forget it. The governor said Thursday that’s going to be a local decision.… MORE
In the wake of “health crisis,” Bishop Jenky closes schools, asks some not to attend Mass
The Catholic Diocese of Peoria is cancelling school next week, while at the same time suspending the obligation to participate in Sunday Mass.… MORE
City shuts down BCPA, calls off arena events due to COVID-19
Bloomington’s city government is calling off some major events, and taking other steps aimed at reducing the chance for coronavirus cases to occur in the area.… MORE
State Farm and COUNTRY Financial announce social distancing to prevent COVID-19
State Farm and COUNTRY Financial are implementing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. … MORE
Bracket Buster 2020 CANCELLED
Due to the cancellation of the basketball tournament, the WJBC 2020 Bracket Buster contest has been suspended and indefinitely postponed. … MORE
IWU extends spring break due to COVID-19
To further prepare for COVID-19, Illinois Wesleyan University has extended spring break until March 22, then transitioning to distance learning methods.… MORE
NCAA cancels men’s, women’s Division I basketball tournaments amid coronavirus fears
NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled the Division I men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tournaments, according to a statement Thursday.… MORE
Heartland Community College to extend spring break due to COVID-19
To further prepare for COVID-19, Heartland Community College has announced an extended spring break until March 20. … MORE
Young America Reality offering rent-free housing to affected ISU students
A student housing company is offering rent-free apartments to Illinois State University students in response to ISU’s announcement that all university operating housing will be closed until further notice.… MORE
McLean County Detention Facility cancels all in-house jail visits to prevent spreading of COVID-19
In an effort to prevent the spreading of COVID-19, McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage announced new operational changes at the McLean County Detention Facility.… 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…