Illinois State University officials are trying to ease the concerns of students, faculty and staff over President Donald Trump’s new immigration orders targeting seven Muslim-majority nations.… MORE
Category Archives: Scott Laughlin
Beyond the Books marks 25 years with celebration
If you ever donated to the local Beyond the Books foundation, you have a chance to see how that money has been put to good use in the classroom.… MORE
Rauner address to call for optimism despite long budget stalemate
Gov. Bruce Rauner will try to bridge the deep divide between the political parties and lay the groundwork for a budget agreement as he delivers his third State of the State address on Wednesday.… MORE
LaHood: Trump’s TPP pullout will hurt Central Illinois manufacturers
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, parts ways with President Donald Trump when it comes to trade.… MORE
Unit 5 seeks ways to attract more substitute teachers
Unit 5 is considering increasing pay for substitute teachers as one way to address that growing need.… MORE
Bloomington Zoning Board backs Westminster expansion
Westminster Village has won preliminary approval in its plans for a $70 million renovation and expansion.
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Man from Normal has role in new TV game show
A native of Normal who is producing game shows in Hollywood has a new show which debuts tonight.… MORE
Mid Central to host 2nd listening session on planned ‘community house’
Mid Central Community Action is giving the public a last chance to weigh in before the Bloomington City Council considers a plan to lease a home on West Jefferson Street for the police department to take over as a substation.… MORE
Panel lists recommendations to trim Illinois prison population
A group that’s examining ways to reduce the state’s prison population has released a list of more than two dozen recommendations.… MORE
Rep. Davis touts infrastructure bill
President-elect Donald Trump has said he wants to rebuild U.S. roads and bridges through a massive infrastructure program and U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis is backing a plan that he said would pay for it without adding to the deficit.… 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…