State health officials are reporting four additional people in Illinois have tested positive for novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), bringing the total number of cases to 11.… MORE
Affidavit reveals male driver charged in fatal crash had meth, cannabis in his system
A probable cause affidavit reveals that a man believed to be responsible for a fatal crash had cannabinoids, amphetamine, and methamphetamine in his system a the time of the crash. In addition, the man admitted to driving on a suspended license, with no car insurance.… MORE
House bill would create statewide drug take-back program
A new law that would create a statewide system for safely disposing of unwanted drugs and medications is being considered in Springfield.… MORE
State Rep. Skillicorn: Changing clocks twice a year “creates health concerns”
State Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee) has had it with changing clocks twice a year, and he figures you have, too.… MORE
Bloomington couple details experience while on cruise ship with numerous cases of coronavirus
As the world continues to monitor the spread of the coronavirus , a Bloomington couple is still on a cruise ship with over 20 confirmed cases.… MORE
AAA: Gas pump savings seen across the country
The national gas price average is cheaper on the week – as Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, and Wisconsin all landed on the top 10 list for largest weekly declines in the country.… MORE
iPads, extra judges expected to reduce Election Day wait time in McLean County
Election officials in McLean County have been already working the polls but the day they see the most people is Election Day and they are ready for the crowd thanks to new technology.… MORE
Amtrak: Passenger on train that stopped in B-N tested positive for Coronavirus
An Amtrak train that makes stops in Pontiac and Normal is suspected of carrying the coronavirus.… MORE
Sponsors of vaccine mandate proposals at Illinois statehouse face opposition
Several measures at the Illinois statehouse dealing with vaccination requirements face opposition, and the sponsor of one measure said she could modify her proposal.… MORE
Report: Illinois homeowners paying ‘shadow mortgage’ worth thousands
Illinois homeowners, whether they’ve paid off their mortgage or not, have an additional “shadow mortgage” averaging $90,000 that they’re on the hook for in the coming years, according to a new report. … 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…