A Bloomington call center needs volunteers as many people deal with emotional issues tied to COVID-19.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Second ‘Beyond Hello’ pot shop opens in Twin Cities
A multi-state adult use cannabis dispensary is planting additional roots in the Twins Cities. Jushi Holdings opened a second ‘Beyond Hello’ location in Bloomington on Tuesday.… MORE
Man charged in Twin-Cities sexual assault released on bond
An Indiana man has posted bond and was released Tuesday morning from the McLean County Jail on charges he sexually assaulted a teenager at a party in Normal.… MORE
Elected leaders in Normal signal they’re against raising water rates this year
People living in Normal probably won’t be digging deeper into their pockets to pay for their water bills this year.… MORE
Hy-Vee pharmacies partnering with Illinois to provide COVID-19 vaccinations
The state is now partnering with Hy-Vee pharmacies across central and northern Illinois to offer coronavirus vaccinations to eligible people.… MORE
MCHD reports 69 new cases of coronavirus
McLean County added 69 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday as the rolling positivity rate is 6.1%.… MORE
LaHood: Everybody recommends getting the vaccine
A local Congressman says he got his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated when it’s their turn.… MORE
Possible end of cash bail in Illinois
Gov. Pritzker is considering a bill the legislature has sent him to eliminate cash bail in Illinois in two years.… MORE
Indigenous Peoples’ Day to be celebrated in Bloomington, council narrowly backs eliminating Columbus Day
The City of Bloomington will recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a way to educate the community about the plight of Native Americans following a unanimous city council vote Monday night.… MORE
Defense, prosecution deliver opening statements in trial for 2018 Bloomington triple homicide
Monday marked day one for a man accused of shooting and killing three adults and seriously injuring a child at an apartment in Bloomington in June of 2018.… 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…