Bloomington firefighters say a blaze at a west side apartment caused about $10,000 in damage.… MORE
Category Archives: Police and Fire
Traffic warning lights installed outside new Normal Fire headquarters
New traffic warning lights installed outside the new Normal Fire Department headquarters will alert motorists when to stop for emergency vehicles.… MORE
Coroner: Head injuries from fall caused man’s death in parking garage
A man found Monday morning in a downtown parking garage died from head injuries received in a fall on stairs according to McLean County Coroner Kathy Davis.… MORE
Two more youngsters allege sexual abuse by local piano teacher
A local piano teacher accused of child molestation faces additional charges involving two more alleged victims.… MORE
BPD investigating body found in downtown
Bloomington Police discovered a body while on foot patrols downtown this morning.… MORE
Bloomington HS principal wants mental health addressed before arming teachers
Bloomington High School Principal Tim Moore is open to the idea of arming teachers, but he doesn’t want that to happen yet.… MORE
ISU’s police chief opposes arming teachers to curb school violence
Arming teachers with guns isn’t the answer to prevent tragedies like the mass murder at a Florida high school, according to Illinois State University’s police chief.… MORE
Pontiac Prison still on lockdown after ‘disturbance’ injures staffer
Pontiac Correctional Center remains on lockdown after authorities say a “disturbance’ there earlier this week injured a prison staff member.… MORE
ISU’s Dietz aims to calm mass shooting fears after Florida killings, claims ‘robust’ measures in place
Illinois State University President Larry Dietz is using social media to describe what he calls the “robust” safety and security measures in place to prevent tragedies like the mass shooting that killed 17 people at a Florida high school.… MORE
Bloomington man sentenced to 30 years for murder of infant
A Bloomington man has been sentenced for his involvement in the death of an infant in 2011.… 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…