The Bloomington Police Department announced Wednesday that it expanded its website where public crime data is available for community members.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Illinois State partners with search firm for next University president
By Jake Fogal NORMAL – The Board of Trustees at Illinois State University is teaming up with Parker Executive Search as the hiring and consulting firm to assist with a nationwide search for the University’s 21st President. The company will receive $110,000 in compensation, plus expenses, to assist the University’s search and screening committee in…… MORE
New study shows the impact of immigrants on the McLean County economy
A new study conducted by the Stevenson Center at Illinois State University shows the vast economic impact of immigrants on McLean County.… MORE
LeRoy man sentenced to federal prison for stealing pain-killers to sell illegally
A LeRoy man was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison last week for stealing medical products and possessing them with an intent to distribute.… MORE
Weekly USDA crop report
There were 6.4 days suitable for field work during the week ending September 10.… MORE
ISU professor appears for arraignment in sexual assault charges
Illinois State University Professor Alan Bates appeared in court on Friday for an arraignment.… MORE
Bloomington Fire Chief Eric West to retire at year’s end
After a more than 30-year career, Bloomington Fire’s top leader is retiring in December.… MORE
Ironmen shutout Wildcats in 29th edition of the Chili Bowl
By Jake Fogal NORMAL – The expectations have been met through three weeks of play as the Normal Community Ironmen have charged through three opponents with relative ease this season. Week 3 featured Community picking up not only a regular season win, but also a trophy that signifies a victory over a cross-town rival. The…… MORE
Heartland Community College student enrollment close to pre-Covid numbers
Heartland Community College’s enrollment numbers are gradually creeping up each year.… MORE
Normal approves contract to build new fire station
This will be the second new fire station since the opening of the headquarters station on Main Street in 2017.… 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…