By Ashley Antonini NORMAL – Students on college campuses are among those casting ballots in the primary election. Students at Illinois State University are heading to the Bone Student Center to record their votes. Student Kathleen Lewis says it is her duty as a citizen to participate. “I think it is a civic duty to…… MORE
Retailers, agencies rail against proposed independent sales tax audit
The state’s retailers are coming out strong against a measure at the statehouse they say could mean confidential business information ends up in the hands of competitors. … MORE
McLean County Board approves wind farm in 16-3 vote
Despite a number of rural McLean County residents’ protests, the County Board voted 16-3 to approve a wind farm from EDP Renewables to be located in the northeast part of the county.… MORE
Durbin calls for drug treatment over harsher penalties to combat opioid abuse
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said drug abusers need treatment not the harsher penalties that President Trump has proposed.… MORE
Obituaries: Bradford, Runyon
Obituaries for Virginia Chavez and Phyllis Runyon
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Connect Transit, Checker Cab offer free rides to polls
Voters who need a ride to the polls have a few free options.… MORE
Democratic ballots eclipsing Republicans in early voting in GOP strongholds
Early voting results from counties outside of the Chicago area are hinting of a downstate surge of Democrat voters.… MORE
Illinois voters to cast ballots in primary election
Tuesday is primary day in Illinois.… MORE
On election eve, State Farm IT job cuts on the Rep. Brady’s mind during work session with city aldermen
The night before voters decide his political future, State Representative Dan Brady said local governments should be prepared to assess the impact of State Farm’s decision to eliminate almost 900 information technology jobs from Bloomington.… MORE
Normal council bids emotional farewell to retiring city manager
Normal Town Council members sang the praises of their retiring city manager Mark Peterson, who is capping what Mayor Chris Koos said was a “flawless run.”… 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…