Illinois taxpayers will potentially save billions on a contract between the state’s largest employees’ union and the governor after the state’s labor board declared impasse on all terms.… MORE
Heartland tax rate rises nearly 5 cents under new levy
The Heartland Community College board has approved a tax levy that would increase the tax bill for the owner of a $165,000 home by about $25.… MORE
Titans rout Stars in season opener
Last season didn’t start out on the right foot for the Titans of Illinois Wesleyan, but IWU started their rebound season of 2016-17 with an emphatic win over Dominican University, 86-65, Tuesday night at the Shirk Center.… MORE
New license plates coming to Illinois next year
A new license plate featuring Abraham Lincoln will start appearing on vehicles in Illinois.… MORE
Gaines running for Normal Township Supervisor
Working with the indigent and mentally ill as well as being the CEO of a nonprofit makes her ready for a new challenge.… MORE
Worries over proposed legislation to save power plant
The latest opposition to Exelon’s proposal to save its power plants in Clinton and the Quad Cities has little to do with the two nuclear plants.… MORE
Local elected officials stress unity following tense election
Elected officials from Bloomington, Normal and McLean County spoke in Downtown Bloomington Tuesday, expressing their desire to remain unified while working to improve the community.… MORE
Madigan appoints lawmaker to negotiate budget deal
Republican leaders say they’re confused by Illinois Speaker Michael Madigan’s new tact to negotiating a deal on a budget for the rest of the fiscal year after Tuesday’s meeting with legislative leaders and the governor. … MORE
McLean County Board OKs wind farm rules, 2017 budget
Some see them as a financial windfall, some who live near them consider them a nuisance.… MORE
B-N Police Blotter: Fri. Nov. 11, 2016 – Mon. Nov. 14, 2016
A look at reported offenses in Bloomington, Normal and on the Illinois State University campus.… 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…