Local economic developers hope to find inspiration from Arkansas as they look to grow the economy in McLean County.… MORE
Category Archives: Scott Laughlin
Rep. Davis: Trump healthcare order will lower premiums
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis said President Donald Trump’s plans to issue an executive order on health care this week should save consumers from rising health care premiums.… MORE
Barickman: Rauner ‘lost credibility’ by signing abortion bill
State Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, said he believes some in the GOP have lost faith in Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner after he told them and other pro-lifers he would veto a bill to fund abortions before he signed it.… MORE
Sen. Brady downplays talk of GOP primary challenge against Rauner
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s recent signing of a bill that expands health care coverage to low-income women seeking abortions has upset many within his party.… MORE
Rep. Brady opposes tax hike for construction bill
An increase in the state’s gas tax is one idea under consideration in Springfield to pay for a statewide construction bill.… MORE
LaHood: Tax reform shouldn’t be partisan issue
By Eric Stock WASHINGTON – President Trump is expected to roll out a tax overhaul on Wednesday. The plan is intended to simplify the tax code and sharply cut what businesses and the wealthiest Americans pay. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin the plans would also benefit the middle class which he…… MORE
Bloomington officials react to alleged arena fraud
Bloomington City Manager David Hales said the city has strong controls in place to detect fraud, but he says there’s no way to guarantee you can stop it.… MORE
Unit 5 to freeze administrators pay amid budget deficit
Unit 5 administrators, including the superintendent, would see their pay frozen in the district’s proposed 2017-2018 budget.… MORE
Local group plans inaugural ride to support local firefighters
A local group that’s raising money to support injured firefighters and emergency technicians is holding an inaugural motorcycle run through Central Illinois on Saturday morning.… MORE
Sandage: Suing drug companies one option to curb opioid epidemic
Local police, prosecutors and the coroner are exploring whether the war on drugs could be won in the courtroom.… 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…