All articles authored by Zachary J. Gittrich, unless otherwise noted.
12/22/2019 | Prohibitionists love to talk about the culture of a town. (VIEW FULL ARTICLE)
Prohibition Up in Smoke in Bloomington
12/18/2019 | After almost half a year of debating, Bloomington has finally approved cannabis sales starting January 1st, 2020, by a vote of 8-1 with Ward 3 Alderperson Mboka Mwilambwe being the sole prohibition vote. (VIEW FULL ARTICLE)
The Lamentations of the Bloomington Police Department
11/14/2019 | The Bloomington Police Department lamented the impending legalization of cannabis. (see more)
The Struggle for Healthcare Starts Locally
10/28/2019 | For the past year, an intrepid group of diverse activists have worked tirelessly in Central Illinois for one goal: to guarantee healthcare as a right to all people. VIEW FULL ARTICLE)
Bloomington City Council: Carrillo Smokes Bray on Cannabis
10/24/2019 | Ward 9 Alderperson Kim Bray is having a hard time accepting the impending cannabis legalization. Under a veneer of caution, Bray has zealously fought against the acceptance of cannabis as a relatively harmless alternative to alcohol and harder drugs. At one point, during a council session, she went full reefer madness stating there was a strong correlation between smoking cannabis as a teen and various mental ailments like schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression. (view more)
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Or, Woe Be the Fall of Columbus
10/16/2020 | Bloomington City Council proclaimed October 14th, 2019 Indigenous Peoples’ Day to the chilled tears of Bloomington’s reactionary right. Like many U.S. jurisdictions, Bloomington forgot the celebration of Christopher Columbus in favor of recognizing the long and often forgotten history of Native Americans. (see more)
Bloomington Socialists Took It to the Street Labor Day
09/05/2019 | A diverse group of over 30 activists revealed their presence at the end of summer march. What a beautiful day it was to be among the people. Whether black, white, brown, Asian, or otherwise, this intrepid group of both young and old made sure the working class of Bloomington knew who was willing to support them. (see more)
It Snows in August: The Fragility of the Bloomington Right
08/29/2019 | Do you feel it? There’s been a cold wind blowing as of late at Bloomington City Council meetings. (VIEW FULL ARTICLE)
Potential Bloomington Police Chiefs Meet Residences
08/23/2019 | Two contenders remain for the job of Bloomington’s top cop. On one side, Bloomington Assistant police chief Dan Donath, 50, stood with a 25 year history in the Bloomington Police Department. On the other side, Parkland college Police Chief William Colbrook, 55, whose history includes 26 years with the Illinois State Police. The two candidates met with about 50 Bloomington residents at the Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, August 20th. However, the only person who needed to be impressed, was Bloomington City Manager Tim Gleason who says he will make the final decision next week. (see more)
