Miller Park Zoo announced on Monday price increases are coming next year.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Youth organization renovates a home in Normal
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – A previously vacant home on Glenn Ave in Normal has been rehabilitated, thanks in part to a youth organization that serves McLean County. Students from a program called Youthbuild helped turn a house that was previously occupied by a hoarder into one fit for a first-time homeowner. An open house was…… MORE
Bloomington-Normal NAACP supports state president amid controversy
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL – Leaders from the Bloomington-Normal NAACP Branch acknowledge State President Teresa Haley’s remarks about immigrants should not have been said. They also said they accept Haley’s sincere apologies. Despite Haley’s apologies, former DuPage County NAACP President Patrick Watson has been calling for Haley’s resignation. According to the Bloomington-Normal NAACP Watson “received an…… MORE
Float from Illinois Office of Tourism to be featured in Roses Parade
Illinois’ entry in the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade will sound like we’re in the “Middle of Everything.”… MORE
Bloomington mansion steps back in time to celebrate Christmas
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON (WMBD) — Another historic Bloomington mansion is stepping back in time to celebrate Christmas. The David Davis Mansion is celebrating the season by stepping back into the Gilded Age, the time period in which the home was built. The mansion is beautifully decorated with Christmas trees in each room and holiday decorations…… MORE
Over 20 giant inflatable Santas take over Lexington neighborhood
By WMBD-TV LEXINGTON — One subdivision in Lexington is taking the words of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” to a whole new level this holiday season. More than 20 members of the subdivision planted giant inflatable Santa decorations in their front yards to celebrate the Christmas season. The neighborhood has drawn people to the…… MORE
UPDATE: Tent city residents allowed to stay for now
Around a dozen residents staying inside tents on Bloomington’s east side can remain on the property for now… MORE
NAACP Illinois State Conference President speaks out after controversial remarks
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – NAACP Illinois State Conference President Teresa Haley is speaking out after a video of her calling immigrants rapists and savages was released on Tuesday. The video was from an October Illinois Branch Presidents meeting recorded by former DuPage County President Patrick Watson. Watson initially called for Haley to step down on…… MORE
Bloomington fire crews respond to Thursday morning house fire
The Bloomington Fire Department responded to a house fire Thursday morning on the city’s near west side.… MORE
Local financial advisor reacts to Federal Reserve meeting
Thanks to the Federal Reserve, investors received a bonus gift ahead of the holidays as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) surged to the highest in nearly two years. … 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…