Miller Park Zoo is gearing up to open its doors this weekend as the state is set to enter Phase 4 of Restore Illinois on Friday.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Attempted murder alleged in the shooting of a man in Normal
A man has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting another man in the face during an argument in Normal earlier this month.… MORE
Davis: Juneteenth should be elevated
A Downstate Republican says if he gets the opportunity, he will support making Juneteenth a national holiday.… MORE
Highly visible McLean County spokesperson alleges racism in demotion
The public spokesperson for the McLean County Health Department is saying the department has limited his responsibilities after the delivery of a press release that contained a statement referring to racial issues and police brutality.… MORE
No new coronavirus cases in McLean County
The McLean County Health Department on Friday reported no new cases of coronavirus.… MORE
Bloomington-Normal Black Lives Matter releases demands to end systemic racism
With protests continuing throughout the country following the death of George Floyd, Black Lives Matter Bloomington-Normal announced its call for sweeping changes to local police and government agencies to end systemic racism.… MORE
United against police brutality: Police in Normal lead local rally
United against police brutality. That was the message behind the rally organized by the Normal Police Department on Thursday. Making it clear that there is no place for the actions that occurred against George Floyd in their community.… MORE
Local police see an increase in DUI’s
This is the time of year many police departments see a rise in DUI arrests, and even during a pandemic, that’s true this year.… MORE
Local mayors aim to combat systemic racism, Normal’s Koos looks for leadership change at federal level
Bloomington’s mayor said Thursday night he envisions a demiltarization of city police, while his counterpart in Normal said improved partnerships between local, state and federal governments are required to combat systemic racism.… MORE
University of Illinois releases plans for students to return to campuses
Students at University of Illinois will be heading back to class for the fall semester, officials announced Thursday.… 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…