By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Kathleen Lorenz, Karyn Smith and Andy Byars were elected to serve on the Normal Town Council Tuesday night. Kathleen Lorenz received 22% of the vote, Karyn Smith received 19% of the vote, Andy Byars received 18% of the vote. Stan Nord received 15% of the vote, Marc Tiritilli received 14% of…… MORE
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Voters on Tuesday approved the Unit 5 tax Referendum in McLean County. 59% of residents voted for the referendum, and 41% voted against it. The referendum will raise the education fund tax rate. The referendum was previously rejected in the November 2022 election. Other election results can be found here.… MORE
By WMBD-TV MCLEAN COUNTY – With a severe weather warning in place for Tuesday afternoon, McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael believes more people opted to vote early on Monday. For those voting on Tuesday she said safety is more important than voting. “What we’ve decided and I think anybody with common sense would decide is that your…… MORE
By WMBD-TV PEORIA – The Better Business Bureau warns of scams following the severe storms last Friday. After a natural disaster, the bureau reports seeing an uptick in scams involving roofing, siding, and property specs. They advise getting everything in writing and not paying upfront for a service. Better Business Bureau President Jessica Tharp said…… MORE
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – McLean County Coroner Dr. Kathy Yoder has identified the victim of a deadly Sunday car crash. According to a Bloomington police Facebook post, 39-year-old Kudeidrea L. Stewart died from head injuries as a result of a collision between two SUVs. “I want to give my sincerest condolences to the family and friends…… MORE
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – Miller Park Zoo announced an exciting addition to its Zoo Family Friday. According to a zoo press release, The Cotton-top Tamarins, Paquito and Quilla, have given birth in the rainforest habitat. The zoo stated that the first-time parents are taking good care of their infant, and zoo staff are closely monitoring…… MORE
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – (UPDATE)The Bloomington Police Department has confirmed that an officer-involved shooting took place Thursday, March 30, while responding to a call for shots fired. When officers arrived on the scene, they made contact with the armed suspect. Officers then fired— striking the subject. No officers were injured during the incident. The suspect…… MORE
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The seventh annual St. Jude Game Feed comes to Hudson this Saturday to help raise money for a good cause. The event features an all you can eat $25 dollar Annie’s Eats meal+beverage at the Sit N Bull, also an auction and a 50/50 drawing and raffle. The founder of…… MORE
By Jake Fogal NORMAL – Bragging rights are on the line as the “Challenge on 74 Blood Battle” pits Illinois State and Bradley University in a contest to see who can donate the most blood. The annual blood drive between the two rival schools is hosted at Hewitt and Manchester residence halls at ISU on…… MORE
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington announced plans for three prescribed burnings Tuesday. According to a press release, the Bloomington Parks & Recreation Department has prescribed burns scheduled for Tipton Park, Miller Dam and The Grove Park. Weather permitting, the burns will be held: Prescribed burns are an important tool of Bloomington’s Parks…… MORE
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.” …
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…
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…
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…