U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, said he welcomes students engaging in a national protest against gun violence on Wednesday even if he opposes one of its main themes, more gun control.… MORE
Category Archives: Scott Laughlin
Aldermen want to raise fines on problem landlords, but likely won’t hire more inspectors
Bloomington aldermen want to raise fines for landlords whose apartment buildings are in disrepair, but city staffers don’t think hiring more inspectors are needed to enforce existing codes.… MORE
Bloomington council approves cheaper Towanda Barnes-Ireland Grove upgrade
Bloomington aldermen have approved a scaled down plan to reduce traffic bottlenecks at the intersection and Towanda Barnes and Ireland Grove Roads.… MORE
Durbin: ‘Seize the opportunity’ to engage North Korea in nuclear talks
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said he’s encouraged by reports that North Korea is willing to talk to the United States about giving up its nuclear weapons.… MORE
Rauner, Barickman: Compromise, not politics needed in gun control bills
State Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, said it’s time to take politics out of the gun control debate.… MORE
Renner: No city support for funding multi-sports complex
While Normal studies the feasibility of a multi-sports complex, it doesn’t appear the town will get much help from its neighbors to the south.… MORE
LaHood: Stronger background checks could keep guns from mentally ill
In the aftermath of the recent Florida school shooting, U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood said there are some gun control measure he would support.… MORE
Bloomington High School students, staff to discuss school safety
Students and staff at Bloomington High School are looking for ways to improve school safety in the wake of the latest school shooting in Florida.… MORE
Aaron Rodgers to headline Red Cross ‘Evening of Stars’
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be invading the heart of Chicago Bears’ country, as an invited guest.… MORE
Psychology professor: ‘Pay attention to red flags’ following deadly shooting
Following the deadly school shooting in Parkland, Fl. on Wednesday that left 17 students dead and 15 others injured, many are left wondering what can be done to lower the rate of mass shootings.… 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…