A local historian, who’s trying to unwrap the veil of secrecy about racial segregation in McLean County, said people he talks to are very surprised to learn there were segregated beaches at Bloomington’s Miller Park.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Coroner releases name of one of the three victims of Wednesday’s semi crash
The McLean County Coroner’s office has released the name of one of those killed early Wednesday morning when two semi-trailer trucks crashed and caught fire early on Interstate 39 near Hudson.… MORE
Elderly Bloomington man granted sentencing delay in child molestation case
An elderly convicted child molester from Bloomington, who stabbed himself in the stomach after a jury found him guilty, was granted a delay in his sentencing on Friday.… MORE
Power outage in Hudson closes elementary school
A major power outage in Hudson means no school for kids at Hudson elementary school.… MORE
Historical marker uncovers Miller Park’s hidden history of racial segregation
A historical marker was dedicated Thursday evening at Miller Park to ensure a deeply buried secret in Bloomington’s past is remembered forever. Racial segregation existed here, just as it did in the south and in other Illinois cities.… MORE
ISU introduces new scholarship programs to keep students local
New scholarship programs unveiled Thursday are designed to keep local students at Illinois State University.… MORE
Coroner tentatively ID’s three victims of Wednesday’s semi crash
The McLean County Coroner’s office has tentatively identified the three people killed when two semi-trailer trucks crashed and caught fire early Wednesday morning on Interstate 39 near Hudson.… MORE
Jacobs named Country Financial CEO
Country Financial has named its top attorney as the Bloomington-based company’s next chief executive officer.… MORE
Gridley man faces multiple sexual abuse charges
A McLean County Grand Jury has indicted a Gridley man on multiple felony sexual assault charges involving two minor girls.… MORE
First shipment of hurricane relief leaves Midwest Food Bank
Midwest Food Bank has begun its relief efforts for the area affected by Hurricane Florence.… 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…