Gov Pritzker’s daily coronavirus update included more directions for us — and more criticism of the Trump administration.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Apartment fire in Normal displaces tenant
An apartment fire Wednesday afternoon in Normal caused heat, smoke, water damage and displaced the tenant.… MORE
Local agencies to participate in large-scale incident response exercise
Several local agencies will be participating in an all-day training exercise Thursday in Bloomington.… MORE
Bradley, Illinois State University won’t rule out online-only classes after spring break
Bradley and Illinois State University are considering “contingency plans” that could include online-only classes, according to spokespeople from both schools. Neither school had anything to announce Tuesday night.… MORE
BEER NUTS advances in ‘Coolest Things Made in Illinois’ competition
A local company has advanced to the next round of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association “Makers Madness” competition.… MORE
BEC changing one polling place due to coronavirus concerns
The Bloomington Election Commission is moving one of its polling locations due to the coronavirus.… MORE
IDPH reports first coronavirus cases outside of Cook County
State health officials are reporting eight new cases of COVID-19 in Illinois, which include two individuals outside of Cook County.… MORE
Dr. Wieland: If you notice COVID-19 symptoms “stay away from everybody”
As cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) increase, a general surgeon with OSF St. Joseph Medical Center is laying out tips to protect yourself from the virus.… MORE
Special Olympics Illinois cancels basketball championships in Bloomington-Normal due to coronavirus
Special Olympics Illinois has cancelled its State Basketball Championships at Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University this weekend due to fears of the coronavirus.… MORE
I-74 road work in Woodford County starts Wednesday
Road work will begin this week on a portion of Interstate 74 in Woodford County.… 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…