The McLean County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a man suspected of impersonating a police officer.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Renner cancels special meeting on welcoming ordinance, cites lack of support
Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner has cancelled tonight’s special city council meeting on a proposed welcoming city ordinance, citing a lack of council support for the measure.… MORE
Renner: Bloomington ‘deserves closure’ on welcoming city debate
As the Bloomington City Council prepares to vote on a welcoming city ordinance, advocacy groups are voicing support and opposition to the resolution.… MORE
Second annual Half Century Bike Ride set to hit Lexington and McLean County
Bike riders in Lexington and McLean County can get a work out and help out a good cause at the same time.… MORE
Immigrant advocates see Bloomington ordinance as not so welcoming
The local debate about undocumented immigrants has taken a new turn. The coalition of advocacy groups lobbying for a “welcoming ordinance” has announced it is opposed to the resolution to be considered by Bloomington aldermen Monday evening.… MORE
Bloomington aldermen to vote on raises for union firefighters, police dispatchers
Bloomington aldermen will decide Monday night whether to accept union contracts providing pay raises for firefighters and police dispatchers.… MORE
NPD: Local man exposed himself to females on Constitution Trail, other Normal locations
Police have captured a man from Normal suspected of exposing himself to female victims on the Constitution Trail and other locations in Normal.… MORE
U of I expert advises precautions against ticks
Summer brings an increase in tick-borne illnesses, so a University of Illinois expert says it’s a good idea to take precautions against the tiny insect.… MORE
Pontiac man taken to hospital for firework injuries
A Pontiac man is in the hospital after he sustained injuries as he attempted to set off fireworks on the city’s west side Wednesday afternoon.… MORE
BPD chief would decide whether to aid ICE agents on immigration issues
An ordinance seeking to ease concerns among undocumented immigrants in Bloomington will be presented to the city council Monday night.… 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…