After two years of limited hours due to COVID-19, the Children’s Discovery Museum in uptown Normal is returning to full operations after Spring Break.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
NPD asking for help in retail theft case at Von Maur
Normal Police is asking for the public’s help in solving a recent retain theft investigation at Von Maur in Normal.… MORE
Illinois gas prices inch up from last week
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – According to GasBuddy, prices in the state are up two cents over the week, averaging $3.69 a gallon. Gas prices in Illinois are 22 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and 94 cents more expensive compared to this time last year. GasBuddy price reports show the cheapest station…… MORE
Warmer temps and increasing rainfall expected for Illinois over next few weeks
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON-The latest weather outlook for Illinois is out, with warmer temperatures and wetter conditions in the forecast. Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford says that increasing rainfall totals mean for different things depending on what part of the state you reside in. “Well this could be good news for parts of Northern Illinois…… MORE
Illinois Senate pass bills related to post-graduation for high school students
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON-In an effort to support students past high school, Chicago Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas is issuing school counselors to discuss technical school options in addition to college when planning a teenagers future. “Many students are pushed toward college from a young age, but it’s important for them to know that there are other…… MORE
Town seeks public input for Uptown Normal underpass project
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – The Town of Normal has launched an online survey to gather public input about the Uptown underpass project. “Community voices are important, and planning for this project has progressed to a point where we seek input on the north and south plazas, public spaces and more,” said Normal City Manager Pam…… MORE
NWS snowfall totals in McLean County
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Snow removal and cleanup will continue Friday after a winter storm pelted central Illinois. According to the National Weather Service, Bloomington received almost 7.8 inches of snow while Normal saw 9.5 inches. Some other snowfall reports in McLean County include 10 inches in Danvers, 8.5 inches in LeRoy, 8.8 inches…… MORE
ISP: Mass collision scene closing SB I-39 at mile marker 14
Illinois State Police are on the scene of a mass collision on southbound Interstate 39 at mile marker 14.… MORE
MCSO: Man allegedly uses firefighter tool to break into a gaming machine
The McLean County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help with identifying a white male who allegedly attempted to break into a video gaming machine.… MORE
State Farm hit with second lawsuit, accused of discrimination and retaliation
A second former State Farm employee is suing the company accusing them of racial discrimination and retaliation.… 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…