Category Archives: Local News

A new downtown coming to Bloomington

A new downtown coming to Bloomington

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council unanimously voted to approve the revamping of the city’s downtown. The project will increase accessibility to community members of all walks of life, and update infrastructure. Cody Hendricks, Ward 6 city councilman, said it’s time for Bloomington to invest in itself. “I think people just see that…MORE

New circus show coming to Illinois State University

New circus show coming to Illinois State University

By WMBD-TV NORMAL – The Gamma Phi Circus at Illinois State University announced their 2024 production “The Magic of Musicals” is ready for public viewing later this month. The performance starts at 7 p.m. on April 19 at ISU’s CEFCU Arena. The new act features “acrobatics and stunning displays of grace and flexibility” to the…MORE

Tazewell Health Dept. gives tips on measles as cases rise

Tazewell Health Dept. gives tips on measles as cases rise

By WMBD-TV TAZEWELL COUNTY – As measles cases are rising in Illinois, Tazewell County Health Department is informing residents how to prevent the spread on their Facebook page. For starters, the best way to prevent the spread of measles is the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine. But what about those who can’t take the vaccine, like infants?…MORE

Bloomington art galleries celebrating Slow Art Day

Bloomington art galleries celebrating Slow Art Day

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – More than 20 local art galleries participated in Slow Art Day. Slow Art Day is meant for people to come into art galleries and take a slow look at art. Rather than getting through as much art as you can, you’re meant to take in a piece that draws you in.…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…