People from around the scientific and educational community will converge on Uptown Circle Saturday morning for the first of March for Science. … MORE
Local man found guilty of molesting two children
By Howard Packowitz BLOOMINGTON — A McLean County jury has convicted a local man for molesting two young girls. Cristian Aranda was a volunteer soccer coach at Normal West High School and a coach with the Illinois Fusion traveling soccer club. However, authorities said the case is not related to Aranda’s coaching duties. Both…… MORE
United Way slashes aid to local human services agencies
By Howard Packowitz BLOOMINGTON — The head of the United Way of McLean County says he’s “absolutely not” satisfied with the level of community contributions this year to dozens of local human services programs, at the same time the budget stalemate in Springfield cuts off state government funding to those organizations. Friday afternoon, the United…… MORE
Meyers inducted to Cal U Hall of Fame
Illinois State head volleyball coach Melissa Myers will be inducted into the California University of Pennsylvania’s 22nd Athletic Hall of Fame Class on Saturday at the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame dinner, in the Performance Center of the Natali Student Center on the university’s main campus.… MORE
Police: Intruder shot by Bloomington homeowner
Bloomington Police say an intruder was shot after breaking into a home early this morning.… MORE
Blagojevich arguments shut down in court
The third time was not a charm for Former Governor Rod Blagojevich… MORE
Road Closure for sewer repair
The west side of Center and North side of Empire will be down to one lane traffic due to emergency sewer repairs.… MORE
Division St. closing for right-of-way improvements
Division Street between Allin Street and Lee Street will remain closed for construction until approximately May 5, 2017. Access to local traffic will be maintained. The closure is required to perform sidewalk, drainage and roadway improvements.… MORE
Normal council cohorts back Fritzen’s attack
By Howard Packowitz NORMAL – Normal town council member Jeff Fritzen’s harsh critique this week of mayoral candidate Marc Tiritilli’s campaign tactics have won the applause of several current and former council members who have served with Fritzen. About a half-dozen of them were in attendance for Fritzen’s news conference on Wednesday. Among them Kevin…… MORE
Elections board to report on whether Mautino violated order to amend reports
A State Board of Elections hearing examiner hopes to issue a report May 15 about whether Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino violated an order to amend campaign expense reports detailing tens of thousands of dollars in payments to a bank and service station in his then legislative district.… 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…