Nearly every farm in America is still family-owned, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but most aren’t making much money. … MORE
Davis “ecstatic” about Trump cabinet choices
Congressman Rodney Davis said he’s “ecstatic” about President-elect Donald Trump’s choices for cabinet positions.… MORE
Local group conducts first of social justice vigils
The first of what a local group hopes are many regular vigils to promote social justice was held last night in downtown Bloomington.… MORE
Heartland college gives green light to Rivian incentives
Heartland Community College has approved the incentive package for Rivian Automotive as the company continues talks on purchasing the former Mitsubishi Motors plant.… MORE
State Rep. Brady believes government shutdown fears grows after new year if stopgap plan progress isn’t made
If any compromise is reached on a state spending plan, it will likely be another stopgap budget not unlike the one passed earlier this year.… MORE
U.S. Rep. Davis: Obamacare repeal efforts moving forward
Efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act are moving forward, according to U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville).… MORE
Pastor touts Rauner’s economic-reform agenda to curb gun violence, create jobs
Speaking alongside Pastor Corey Brooks of New Beginnings Church of Chicago Monday, Gov. Bruce Rauner said Illinois will continue a death spiral that will destroy neighborhoods unless there are reforms to expand the state’s economy.… MORE
Bloomington Election Commission OKs review of Renner petitions
One man’s ballot challenge to Bloomington mayor Tari Renner’s nominating petitions has been allowed to proceed.… MORE
B-N Police Blotter: Mon. Dec. 12, 2016
A look at reported offenses in Bloomington, Normal and on the Illinois State University campus.… MORE
Bloomington Council approves tax levies
The Bloomington City Council approved the 2016 tax levy for the City and Bloomington Public Library at its meeting Monday.… 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…