By WMBD-TV CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul is urging Illinois residents to look for phone scammers utilizing AI voices. Phone scammers often invoke victim’s loved ones to trick them into sending money or sharing personal information. Thanks to AI now being able to mimic voices, scammers have a new tool to coerce victims. Snippets…… MORE
Several Midwestern cities are going to be counted again like it’s 2020
By WMBD-TV ILLINOIS – Four years after the last census, almost a dozen small communities in the Midwest are going to be counted again in hopes of getting a new grocery store or more state funding to build roads, fire stations and parks. Eleven small cities in Illinois and Iowa are the only municipalities so…… MORE
Over 45,000 Illinoisans missed in 2020 Census, Pritzker says
By WMBD-TV CHICAGO – There are actually more people in Illinois than the 2020 Census originally counted. Governor JB Pritzker announced Wednesday that there were over 45,000 Illinois residents omitted from the Census because they were in places such as group homes and residence halls. “I’m pleased that the Census Bureau has recognized the undercounting…… MORE
Georgia man ordered held in custody for deadly shooting of Peoria teen
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – A Georgia man was ordered held pending the outcome of charges that allege he shot a Richwoods High School student almost two years ago. Tomiyale M. Anderson, 20, of Hampton, Ga., was deemed to be a risk of flight as well as a “clear and present threat” to the community. Both are…… MORE
Rivian production up, deliveries slightly down
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Rivian Automotive ended 2023 by producing far more of its electric trucks and S-U-Vs at its manufacturing center in Normal than it said it would back in November. But deliveries were less than expected, causing a drop in its stock price. Rivian said three months ago it was increasing production, and it made more than…… MORE
Charges filed against Bloomington man in connection with deadly September crash
A Bloomington man faces up to five years in prison after being charged last week in connection with a fatal traffic accident this past fall.… MORE
Bloomington teen cited for New Year’s Eve DUI
A Bloomington teen has been arrested and cited with a DUI for a crash on New Year’s Eve.… MORE
Normal Police make multiple firearm arrests
Normal Police announced five different firearm arrests since November via a news release late last week.… MORE
Indoor vaping ban starts in Illinois next year
By WMBD-TV SPRINGFIELD – Starting Jan. 1, vaping or e-cigarette use will be illegal in public indoor spaces due to a new state law signed by Gov. JB Pritzker. With the support of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), HB1540 hopes to improve public health across Illinois. Sponsored by Rep. Camille Lilly and Sen.…… MORE
Normal Police make multiple firearm arrests
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Normal Police announced five different firearm arrests since November via news release. The arrests were part of the department’s effort to get illegal guns off the streets. Those arrested include: Bloomington police make arrest for 2022 murder All of them were charged with various firearm-related charges including, aggravated unlawful use of…… 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…