Illinois State University introduced a new head soccer coach during a press conference Monday afternoon. … MORE
Two men face weapon charges after Saturday morning traffic stop
A traffic stop on a car in Normal early Saturday morning resulted in the arrest of two McLean County men… MORE
Former Chicago Bear to read to Heartland Head Start students Monday
A former Chicago Bear will make a virtual appearance at Heartland Head Start on Monday to read to students.… MORE
Appellate court orders new trial for woman accused of sexual abuse
A Bloomington woman’s sexual orientation was irrelevant to allegations she sexually abused teenager and thus, should not have been brought forth at her trial.… MORE
Presidential candidacies facing objection in Illinois with little success
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Your dislike of President Biden’s performance in office is not a reason to disqualify him for being a candidate in the March 19 Illinois primary. That’s how an Illinois State Board of Elections hearing officer summed up his reasoning for rejecting an objection fronted by Arthur Jones of Lyons. Jones…… MORE
Residents are buying up season tickets for the Bloomington Bison
Fans of pro hockey are eager to see the Bloomington Bison play if initial interest in season tickets is an indication.… MORE
Five programs seeing a tuition rate increase at ISU
Illinois State University Board of Trustees on Thursday approved differential tuition rates for several programs during a special meeting.… MORE
Illinois State University has narrowed presidential search to 11
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – The Illinois State University Presidential Search Committee in Normal narrowed down the candidates for the next president. Thursday morning, the committee started with 41 prospective candidates to lead Illinois’ first public institution of higher learning. After spending more than 2 hours in executive session — the number is now down to…… MORE
Normal man dies from hypothermia after falling outside
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – A Normal man has died after falling outside and freezing from hypothermia. Responders were called to the 100 block of West Shelbourne Drive in Normal on Tuesday afternoon after a body was found by a tree at approximately 3:15 p.m. A heavy police presence gathered near the apartment building as police…… MORE
Anti-violence bill languishes
The shooting death of a mother and daughter in Chicago – allegedly by the husband / father – last summer inspired “Karina’s Bill,” which would make it easier to remove guns from the home of an alleged abuser. … 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…