Despite being a teacher for only four years, one local Unit 5 teacher has been named the Bob Haisman Teacher of the Year.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Parking lot closure in Uptown Normal
The Children’s Discovery Museum’s educators and volunteers are collaborating with Illinois State University’s Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology to engage children in hands-on learning and play with a Pushcart Derby on Saturday.… MORE
Traffic stop on I-74 results in major drug bust
A traffic stop stemming from a traffic violation on Interstate 74 near S. Bloomington resulted in a large drug bust.… MORE
Second Bloomington man arrested for hold up in Dwight
A second Bloomington man has been arrested for an armed robbery in Dwight.… MORE
Addiction and recovery topics of discussion for Budgeting for Results Commission
Addiction and recovery were the topics of a meeting Wednesday of the Budgeting for Results Commission, which seeks to efficiently tie dollar amounts to specific state programs.… MORE
Illinois Department of Agriculture loosens restrictions for weed killer amid wet spring
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has walked back some restrictions on a controversial, yet highly-effective commercial weed spray as farmers struggle to get crops planted amid a wet spring.… MORE
UPDATED: McLean County Coroner identifies Normal woman who died in house fire
McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder has named the woman who died in an east Normal house fire on Wednesday afternoon.… MORE
National search for next Bloomington Police Chief starts close to home
Bloomington’s next police chief should have thick skin when it comes to taking criticism, and embrace diversity.
… MORE
Unit 5 in the red as school board adopts amended budget
The Unit 5 school board Wednesday night adopted an amended budget for the fiscal year ending this month, and it shows a multi-million dollar deficit in the education fund.… MORE
UPDATED: Coroner identifies Normal woman who died in house fire
A woman is dead after a house fire Wednesday afternoon in east Normal.… 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…