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Teachers Successfully Stall Attack on Pensions
Illinois teachers successfully stalled a set of proposals that would have gutted the state pension system for public workers. Lawmakers are talking about holding hearings over the summer, with the intention of bringing the bill, SB 512, back for consideration. (See the previous Just BloNo article.) Bloomington-Normal teachers have been on the front line in … Continue reading
Summer Blues in BloNo
With the arrival of summer in BloNo comes the traditional lineup of great blues festivals and gigs. I’ve listed some of the bigger acts happening this summer, but for a more comprehensive listing of BloNo blues, visit the Blues Blowtorch Society and if you like what you see, consider becoming a member! Big James and … Continue reading
Come Together For Democracy
BLOOMINGTON – On June 5th individuals in Bloomington-Normal will come together to discuss ways to build democracy at the local level. The event is titled “Come Together for Democracy,” which will take place Sunday, June 5th, 4 pm, at the Unitarian-Universalist Church in Bloomington. A number of representatives from different organizations came together, led by … Continue reading
The Corporate Assault Against Illinois Teachers
Editorial Report. In the last few months, Illinois teachers have been under the same corporate assault faced by teachers in surrounding states. Resistance to this assault was most pronounced in Wisconsin, where public sector workers are still battling Governor Scott Walker’s attempt to take away their collective bargaining rights. In nearby Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan, … Continue reading
Showdown in Ohio: Our Challenge Against JP Morgan Chase
When JP Morgan Chase held its annual shareholder’s meeting on May 17th, I imagine they had much to worry about. The building for this event was Chase Bank’s headquarters in Columbus Ohio- the second largest office building in the world next to the Pentagon. From the northeast all the way to the south western side … Continue reading
National Coverage of Showdown in America
Over 50 BloNo residents are among the 1000 people protesting the predatory practice of JP Morgan Chase. Here is some national coverage of the events. Huffington Post: Protesters at JP Morgan Shareholder Meeting Demand Action on Foreclosures, Human Rights Washington Post: Protester Handcuffed at JP Morgan Chase Shareholder Meeting Video from Showdown in America, National … Continue reading
Class Dismissed documentary screening this Thursday
Viewpoint This Thursday, May 19, Common Action Free School and Laborers Local 362 are co-hosting a screening of the documentary Class Dismissed: How TV Frames the Working Class at the Laborers Hall at 2012 Fox Creek Road in Bloomington. The film will start at 6:30 PM. I was going to write a brief review of … Continue reading
Urban Chicken Proposal Advances in Normal
NORMAL – The Normal town council voted May 16th to send the backyard chicken ordinance to the Planning Commission. There will now be a public hearing June 9th on the ordinance, when Normal residents can voice their opinion on the ordinance at Normal City Hall. Only Councilmen Jeff Fritzen and Adam Nielsen voted against sending … Continue reading
Over 50 BloNo Residents Head to Showdown in Ohio
BLOOMINGTON – Early in the morning today, over 50 BloNo residents traveled to Columbus, Ohio to participate in a mass demonstration at the JP Morgan Chase annual shareholder meeting. Illinois People’s Action held rallies last Thursday against JP Morgan Chase throughout the state of Illinois and organized buses for Illinoisans to attend in Columbus. The … Continue reading
McLean Co. Missfits Promote Empowerment and Community
BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Missfits hosted their first home intra-league roller derby bout last night at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum, bringing a raucous BloNo crowd to cheer their home team. The Missfits Allstars emerged victorious over the Peoria Push B Team with a score of 132 – 112. Also competing in the first bout … Continue reading
Local Band Directory
Just BloNo 