In what is the most significant increase since the coronavirus pandemic began, the McLean County Health Department announced 14 new cases, surging the county total to 62 confirmed cases.… MORE
Category Archives: Homepage
McLean County COVID-19 cases increase to 38
The McLean County Health Department announced seven new people have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the county to 38.… MORE
COVID-19 travel restrictions hurting local hotels
With Gov. Pritzker extending the “stay-at-home” guidelines until April 30, local hotels are feeling the pinch of decreased travel.… MORE
Feed BloNo Kids offering free meals to children during COVID-19 pandemic
With COVID-19 causing locals schools to switch to e-learning during mandated school closures, a group comprised of community and business leaders formed to provided free meals for children.… MORE
Illinois State University moving to online classes for remainder of semester
Due to COVID-19, Illinois State University will move away from face-to-face instruction and to online classes for the remainder of the Spring semester.… MORE
Koos vows to support local business
Gov. Pritzker announced Sunday the closure of restaurants and bars until March 30; however, Normal Mayor Kris Koos said he would be ditching cooking at home and order carry out as much as possible.… 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
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
Financial Advisor: “This was kind of a surprise” reacting to recent Fed rate cut
For the first time since 2008, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates on Tuesday by 50 basis points, and one local financial advisor was surprised with the move.… MORE
McLean County YWCA adds anti-bias education to local schools and programs
Breaking the cycle of bullying is the focus of a new initiative for McLean County kids.… 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…