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BNCPJ Calls for Real End to Wars and Occupations
Organizational Statement. The Bloomington-Normal Citizens for Peace and Justice (BNCPJ) views President Obama’s recent withdrawal of 10,000 troops from Afghanistan, with a total of 30,000 to be withdrawn by the end of summer 2012, as woefully inadequate for ending the ten-year war and occupation. BNCPJ points out that 70,000 troops, plus private mercenary contractors, will … Continue reading
Normal Town Council Passes Optional Form-based Code
NORMAL – The Town Council voted 6-1 in favor of an optional form-based code. The vote was a result of two years of negotiations between the town of Normal and Main Street businesses that opposed the planning initiative. (For a synopsis of form-based codes and opposing views, see Optional Form-based Code Advances in Normal.) Two … Continue reading
Normal Town Council Rejects Backyard Chickens
NORMAL – The Normal Town Council voted 6-1 against a proposal to allow backyard chickens within city limits. Only Mayor Chris Koos voted yes on the proposal, citing the positive feedback from many other cities that had passed similar ordinances in recent years. Proponents pushed for the ordinance as a way to promote local food … Continue reading
L.U.C. and IPA send message to Congressman Adam Kinzinger and Senator Mark Kirk: NO – To E-Verify! (VIDEO)
Friday June 17, 2011 – 30 community members from the Illinois Peoples Action and Latinos United for Change paid a visit to a fundraiser in Bloomington, IL where Congressman Adam Kinzinger IL-11(R) and Senator Mark Kirk (R) from Illinois were the key notes speakers. The diverse group consisted of families, senior citizens, students, community members, clergy, and youth. … Continue reading
Anti-Immigrant Legislation Introduced in the House: E-Verify
There is an action tomorrow to show opposition to E-Verify. Meet at 6 pm, Friday (June 17th) at the Doubletree Hotel (10 Brickyard Drive, off Veterans next to TGIF restaurant). There is also a carpool leaving the L.U.C. offices (510 E. Washington, Bloomington) at 5:30 pm. For more information, read below and see the Facebook … Continue reading
GASLAND Screening: Learning about Fracking
Residents in Bloomington-Normal learned Wednesday evening about gas extraction using an environmentally destructive process called hydraulic fracturing (“fracking” or “hydrofracking”). Numerous local environmental organizations organized a screening of GASLAND, a documentary on this issue, which will occur on Wednesday, June 15th, 7 pm at the Normal Theater. The issue is particularly important for BloNo residents … Continue reading
Optional Form-Based Code Advances in Normal
The Normal Planning Commission recommended on June 9th an optional form-based code for the Main Street business corridor in Bloomington-Normal. Form-based code refers to new building and development rules that proponents say promotes vibrant community living and sustainability with high-density planning, slower car traffic, pedestrian-friendly design, and an improved urban aesthetic. Two years ago, when … Continue reading
Public Hearing on Backyard Chickens (Video)
On Thursday, June 9th, Bloomington-Normal residents voiced their opinion on a proposed ordinance that would allow backyard chickens in Normal. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the Planning Commission voted 3-2 in favor of a positive recommendation to the city council. The Normal City Council will discuss and vote on the ordinance Monday, June … Continue reading
Anthony Weiner: Why he should not resign
Viewpoint. In spite of all the rabble rising surrounding the current scandal or “Weinergate” calling for Congressman Anthony Weiners resignation, I think that we as progressives should stand up to the Democratic leadership and tell them to back off and support the only congressman on the hill who has the courage to tell the truth … Continue reading
Latinos Unidos para Cambio (L.U.C.): A Brief History 2008-2011
Latinos United for Change (Latinos Unidos para Cambio) is a grassroots community organization in the Illinois rural heartland seeking to bring about progressive, people centered change. The mission of the organization is to empower Latinos and new immigrants to become full partners in the local, state and national dialogue on justice issues that affect their … Continue reading
Local Band Directory
Just BloNo 