The union representing teachers in Blue Ridge Community Unit District 18 is taking initial steps toward calling a strike.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
UPDATED: State Fire Marshall to investigate downtown Pontiac blaze
Two downtown buildings are a total loss from Saturday’s fire, but it could have been much worse, Pontiac’s fire chief said on Sunday.… MORE
Fire tears through Pontiac businesses
By the time he returned with a fire extinguisher, it was already too late.
… MORE
Normal Council’s Cummings seeks Rep. Brady’s Illinois House Seat
A Democrat has emerged to challenge for the Illinois House seat held by nine-term Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington).… MORE
New report: 17 percent of Illinois’ public school students considered “chronically absent”
It’s not just a child’s home life that can lead to chronic absenteeism. Student attendance generally is higher if the school conditions are better, according to a new report on chronic absenteeism. … MORE
Gov. Pritzker’s chief of staff debriefs recent Japan international trade talks
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The point person on Illinois’ recent trade visit to Japan says everybody’s in for international trade. How much of this is about downstate? “A great deal,” said Anne Caprara, Gov. JB Pritzker’s chief of staff, leading the trip while Pritzker recovers from a broken leg. “We have several companies from…… MORE
Voices for Illinois Children present annual KIDS COUNT report
A portrait of Illinois children shows we have not come very far racially.… MORE
McLean County creates resource for vaping intervention
Respiratory illnesses all over the country have been linked to vaping. The McLean County Health Department has organized a group that will act as resource for vaping intervention.
… MORE
ISU renames College of Fine Arts after $12 million gift
Illinois State University has honored an alumna after a $12 million gift to the school.… MORE
Ex-city council member Schmidt honored for two decades of public service
Former Bloomington City Council member Karen Schmidt felt overwhelmed at a Downtown Bloomington ceremony on Thursday, after friends, constituents, and dignitaries dedicated a plaque and city bench in Schmidt’s honor for her 20 years of city council service.… 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…