New details are emerging from Normal Police after authorities shut down Veterans Parkway and Parkway Plaza on Monday for reports of a man with a gun.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
ISU to modify its indoor face covering requirement
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – Illinois State University is updating its indoor face covering requirements next week. In a coronavirus update to the campus community, the university said as of Monday, February 28, face coverings will no longer be required in indoor spaces with the exception of the following: Classrooms and laboratories Clinical…… MORE
Man taken to hospital for evaluation after pleading at police to shoot him
Normal Police Chief Rick Bleichner says the man police took into custody has been taken to a local hospital for evaluation.… MORE
Two McLean County Board Members seeking reelection
Two McLean County Board members are announcing plans to seek re-election.… MORE
Man behind bars in McLean County for allegedly biting officers leg
A 35-year old man is facing felony charges in McLean County for allegedly biting a police officer in the leg.… MORE
Children’s Discovery Museum in Uptown Normal returning to full operations
After two years of limited hours due to COVID-19, the Children’s Discovery Museum in uptown Normal is returning to full operations after Spring Break.… MORE
NPD asking for help in retail theft case at Von Maur
Normal Police is asking for the public’s help in solving a recent retain theft investigation at Von Maur in Normal.… MORE
Illinois gas prices inch up from last week
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – According to GasBuddy, prices in the state are up two cents over the week, averaging $3.69 a gallon. Gas prices in Illinois are 22 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and 94 cents more expensive compared to this time last year. GasBuddy price reports show the cheapest station…… MORE
Warmer temps and increasing rainfall expected for Illinois over next few weeks
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON-The latest weather outlook for Illinois is out, with warmer temperatures and wetter conditions in the forecast. Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford says that increasing rainfall totals mean for different things depending on what part of the state you reside in. “Well this could be good news for parts of Northern Illinois…… MORE
Illinois Senate pass bills related to post-graduation for high school students
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON-In an effort to support students past high school, Chicago Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas is issuing school counselors to discuss technical school options in addition to college when planning a teenagers future. “Many students are pushed toward college from a young age, but it’s important for them to know that there are other…… 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…