By Neil Doyle and HOI ABC NORMAL – The ‘American Idol’ journey for Normal native Leah Marlene has come to a close, as she finished in third place on season 20 of the show. The first round of performances consisted of songs from the songbook of Bruce Springsteen. Leah was the first performer, singing her…… MORE
Normal Police say numerous electronics and luggage were stolen from the Normal Walmart totaling a little over $23,000 from what appears to be an organized group with knowledge of Walmart practices.… MORE
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts department will close O’Neil Park’s Skate Park as construction on the new pool project begins. Starting on Monday, the current skate park will be closed to allow for the removal of the skate ramps. The new and improved skate park is…… MORE
Former Bloomington Alderman Jamie Mathy announced Thursday that with the help of some tax breaks, he plans to double the size of his downtown business by moving into a vacant building he purchased next door, while also creating space for two more retail businesses.… MORE
Republicans have lost control of the McLean County Board after a GOP member announced he’s now a ‘proud Democrat.’… MORE
A 17-year-old Gibson City teenager has died after a crash Wednesday night east of the Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington.… MORE
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – After more than 10,000 people gathered Tuesday night to welcome home Leah Marlene, Normal Police are thanking the community and other agencies for a “safe, fun, and enjoyable” event. According to a NPD Facebook post, several agencies assisted at the event in Uptown Normal. That includes Normal Fire, Bloomington Police,…… MORE
By HOI ABC MCLEAN COUNTY – Illinois State Police said one person died in a crash that happened early Wednesday evening at the intersection of Illinois Route 9 and the LeRoy-Lexington Blacktop. The person who died was the driver of a passenger car that collided with some type of commercial vehicle, according to Illinois State…… MORE
Legislation is headed to Gov. Pritzker’s desk to help soybean farmers across central Illinois.… MORE
By Blake Haas LINCOLN – As the temperature warms up, Lincoln Police reports a rise in thefts and burglaries. According to a social media post, the department reports criminals are out looking for tools and other valuables stored within a garage or shed. As a result, the department asks the public to survey their garage,…… 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…