A yearly report examining financial trends in the Town of Normal reveals some warning signs.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
McLean County Clerk tries to refute voter suppression claims, demands apology from opponent
The Republican seeking a third term as McLean County Clerk said she’s done ignoring allegations of voter suppression and even racism.… MORE
Class-action lawsuit against State Farm settled for $250 million
A $250 million settlement has been announced in a class-action lawsuit against State Farm in connection with non-factory parts used for vehicle repairs.… MORE
I-74 section near Farmer City named in memory of local state trooper
A section of Interstate 74 near Farmer City has been dedicated to the memory of a state trooper killed in a car crash there last year.… MORE
State Farm name to go on Phoenix stadium
State Farm is placing its name on another stadium.… MORE
Rural McLean County averse to multi-sports complex idea
The idea of a multi-sports complex in Bloomington-Normal is not winning over rural residents, according to the McLean County Board’s vice chairman.… MORE
Redbirds sail past Saint Xavier
A dominating defensive effort resulted in four takeaways for Illinois State (1-0), as the Redbirds shut out Saint Xavier (0-2) by a score of 46-0 in the season opener Saturday night at Hancock Stadium. The Redbirds scored on their very first offensive play of the game and cruised to the victory to begin the 2018 campaign. … MORE
Summer months warmer and wetter than usual in Illinois
The summer of 2018 was warmer and wetter than we usually see in Illinois.
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Police seek more information about ex-Saybrook foster dad charged with child molestation
McLean County Sheriff’s Police are continuing to ask for the public’s help following the arrest of a former Saybrook foster parent accused of molesting two children.… MORE
Reunion remembering fastpitch heydays Saturday in Towanda
Men’s fastpitch softball was huge in Bloomington-Normal in the 1970s and 1980s, and a reunion is planned for this holiday weekend for former players and fans.… 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…