By WMBD-TV SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) along with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced an increased police presence on Illinois roadways for the upcoming holiday. An ISP news release states that nearly 200 law enforcement agencies state-wide will be working overtime through the end of the year “Getting behind the wheel…… MORE
Man hospitalized after 2 vehicle crash in McLean County
By WMBD-TV MCLEAN COUNTY – A McLean County man was sent to the hospital after a two-vehicle crash near County Roads 1900 North and 2300 East near Towanda on Dec. 22. According to the McLean County Sheriff’s Office, they responded to the crash at 12:48 p.m. and the driver of one of the vehicles was…… MORE
Foodmobile helping those facing food insecurity
By WMBD-TV MCLEAN COUNTY – Eastern Illinois Foodbank (EIF) will start making the rounds to local families who suffer from food insecurity. McLean County Emergency Management Agency Facebook states that the Foodmobile will travel through McLean County starting on Wednesday. Distribution destinations and times can be found here. Attendees are asked to bring bags or boxes to transport…… MORE
Illinois woman sentenced for buying gun used to kill police officer
By WMBD-TV URBANA – A Normal woman was sentenced to 8 1/2 years in federal prison on Friday. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 28-year-old Regina Lewis was sentenced for conspiracy to illegally purchase and transfer a firearm, and conspiracy to engage in misleading conduct. She pleaded guilty on May 16 that she conspired with…… MORE
Illinois public school superintendents have a new voice
Public school superintendents in Illinois have a new voice, but it’s one familiar to McLean County.… MORE
Route 66 adding attractions in Springfield
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – With the 100th anniversary of Route 66 coming in 2026, preparations are building. Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau director Scott Dahl has an update on a couple of Springfield attractions. The recently installed Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, open year-round, has a new addition: a replica of…… MORE
Bloomington man sentenced for attempted enticement of child
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington man was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison on Tuesday. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 55-year-old Jeffrey Bosaw was sentenced to 205 months in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for attempted enticement of a minor. He must also register as a sex offender.…… MORE
Connect Transit announces Christmas hours
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Connect Transit, serving the Bloomington-Normal area, has announced its Christmas Eve and Day hours. The service will be shutting down early on Sunday and will be closed Monday, Christmas Day. Connect Transit has created a schedule showing the last trips and times from different locations in the area. For more information,…… MORE
Illinois small businesses holding grudge with federal government
By Dave Dahl Small businesses in America are more pessimistic than they were last year about how the nation’s economy is doing. “Small business owners continue to express pessimism about the direction of our economy. As the economic drivers of our communities, local businesses serve as a barometer of economic health,” said Noah Finley, NFIB…… MORE
Farmer City police looking for missing teen
By WMBD-TV FARMER CITY – The Farmer City Police Department asked the public for help locating a missing teen on Tuesday. According to a Farmer City police Facebook post, 16-year-old Raheem Crowder was last seen near Green and Thomas Streets at approximately 7:40 p.m. on Monday. He was last seen wearing a black colored shirt with…… 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…