Anthony Lunsford, former collegiate bowling standout at Ashford University, has been selected as the Illinois Wesleyan University bowling coach IWU Athletic Director Mike Wagner announced Monday, Oct. 7. Lunsford will be the first coach in the program’s history.… MORE
Laura Beth Durflinger Egbers
Laura Beth Durflinger Egbers, 66, of Towanda, passed away at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, October 5, 2019 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington. … MORE
IRS announces assistance to farmers forced to sell livestock in some Illinois counties
Illinois farmers and ranchers in a number of counties may be able to shield themselves from a big tax hit after severe weather forced them to sell off their livestock. … MORE
Northern Illinois corruption more costly than rest of state to businesses, study estimates
By Illinois Radio Network SPRINGFIELD – Corruption costs businesses, and those who invest in them, money, according to a preliminary study released by a group led by a professor at the University of Illinois’ Gies College of Business. The study found that publicly-traded companies based in some parts of Illinois have higher “corruption costs” than those in other parts…… MORE
Illinois drivers paid $100 million more in gas taxes in first month of tax increase
By Illinois Radio Network SPRINGFIELD – Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he will make sure new tax revenue from the state’s higher gas tax is spent property after federal agents raided the offices of Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Martin Sandoval as part of a corruption probe. Drivers in Illinois paid $100 million more in gas taxes in…… MORE
New report ranks Illinois as least ‘tax-friendly’ state
Illinois is the “least tax-friendly” state in the nation, according to a new report from business and economic forecasting publisher Kiplinger.… MORE
WJBC and Nybakke Vacuum Giveaway
Nybakke Vacuum and AM 1230 WJBC pay tribute to the hardest working people in the Twin Cities.… MORE
Blue Ridge teachers vote to strike
The union representing teachers and other employees in the Blue Ridge School District has voted to strike if negotiations fail to produce a contract agreement by the end of the month.… MORE
Bloomington’s Bray urges residents to contact council members on cannabis sales
Bloomington residents are being asked to contact their city council members as a task force examines the community impact of selling marijuana for recreational use.… MORE
IWU opens a time capsule to remember turbulent times
Illinois Wesleyan University looked back this weekend to a time 50 years ago when Americans were divided by the Vietnam War and Civil Rights. It was also a time when the Amazin’ Mets broke Cub fans’ hearts, and U.S. astronauts reached the moon.… 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…