With the April 18 tax deadline approaching, this is the time of year when tax reform advocates suggest the U.S. simplify its tax code.… MORE
Category Archives: Scott Laughlin
Renner on higher liquor fees: ‘Old boy network’ no longer in charge
Bloomington mayor Tari Renner said the city liquor commission’s move to raise fees for the first time since the 1980s is a sign the so-called ‘Old Boy Network’ of bar owners is no longer dictating city policy.… MORE
ISU president to testify on Illinois budget impasse
Illinois State University president Larry Dietz hopes to bend the ear of lawmakers this week to try to bring about some resolution to the state budget impasse that’s now in its 10th month.… MORE
ISU expert: Sanders’ biggest opposition comes from his own party
Bernie Sanders has been closing in on Hillary Clinton’s lead in delegates in the Democratic presidential race by winning eight of the last nine contests, but a political expert said his Sanders’ biggest obstacle remains his own party.… MORE
Bloomington boosts funding for road work
The city of Bloomington is redoubling its efforts to fix the city’s crumbling streets, by doubling its financial commitment to road resurfacing this year.… MORE
Wellness expo a ‘no-waste’ event in Bloomington
About 100 exhibitors will be demonstrating how to live well and live green at the annual Illinois Sustainable Living and Wellness Expo at Shirk Center on Saturday.… MORE
Barickman seeks to stop grant handouts before election
State Sen. Jason Barickman has an idea that he hopes would prevent something like the troubled Neighborhood Recovery Initiative from happening again in the run-up to an election.… MORE
Bloomington foundation to host ‘inspirational’ breakfast
A local foundation is looking to plant the seeds of inspiration.… MORE
LaHood slams new fiduciary rule
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, said the Obama administration’s new rules regulating brokers would lead to more costly compliance all because of a few bad apples.… MORE
ISU to host session on gender leadership differences
Leadership can come in many forms and an Illinois State University professor says men and women often lead differently.… 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…