Category Archives: Local News

Mackinaw teen to appear in court next week for ‘review’ of murder case

Mackinaw teen to appear in court next week for ‘review’ of murder case

By WMBD-TV PEKIN – Another day in court for a Mackinaw teenager resulted in another “review” hearing set in her murder case, a Tazewell County judge ordered Monday. Dahlia Bolin, 17, was to stand trial Monday on charges of aggravated battery, murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the deadly Oct. 22, 2021, shooting of…MORE

Illinois fuel prices decline in latest gas report

Illinois fuel prices decline in latest gas report

By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Average gasoline prices in Illinois have fallen 8.7 cents in the last week, averaging $3.36 a gallon. Gas prices nationally have inched down a few cents in the past week, averaging $3.21 a gallon. “With the national average price of gasoline declining for the 10th straight week, motorists are enjoying…MORE

Evidentiary hearing held for the Barton McNeil case

Evidentiary hearing held for the Barton McNeil case

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – Imprisoned for nearly a quarter of a century, Barton McNeil’s case was heard again at the McLean County Courthouse on Tuesday. McNeil was sentenced to life in prison in 1999 for the murder of his three-year-old daughter Christina, although it was reduced to a 99-year sentence. Since his conviction, he has…MORE

State Police teams up with local departments for ‘Operation Unplugged’ to stop speeders

State Police teams up with local departments for ‘Operation Unplugged’ to stop speeders

By Blake Haas MCLEAN COUNTY – Authorities in McLean County are cracking down on speeders near Rivian Automotive after several severe and fatal crashes in the area. Late last week, departments from Bloomington and Normal, alongside Illinois State Police and the McLean County Sheriff’s Office, teamed up for ‘Operation Unplugged.’ During the detail, police issued…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…