By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Colene Hoose Elementary School added another aspect for wildlife in its natural playground. On Wednesday, students installed birdhouses at the Ilse and Charlie Jobson Natural Play Park. It was a joint project with volunteers from the John Wesley Powell Audobon Society. There are now seven boxes for bluebirds, one screech owl…… MORE
IDPH chief medical officer: Covid hasn’t gone away
Covid is part of our life now. And the state’s chief medical officer says the now-familiar precautions – frequent handwashing, being careful about being in groups – still apply as you consider holiday dinners and parties.… MORE
New legislation for rural education
By WMBD-TV PEORIA – Rural schools in Illinois fought to have their voices heard. State Senator David Koehler sponsored legislation that was responsible for creating the Rural Education Advisory Council. By law, the council is required to have five superintendents, one principal, and one student. Senator Koehler said rural schools are facing problems like transportation…… MORE
Illinois population drops for 10th year
By WMBD-TV CHICAGO – Illinois underwent its 10th straight year of population decline, according to the Illinois Policy Institute. An Illinois Policy Institute news release states that this year, roughly 83,839 people left the state, or one for every 6 minutes and 16 seconds. However, population outmigration has slowed to pre-pandemic trends after two years of…… MORE
Heartland College announces grant for students with learning challenges
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Heartland Community College announced grant money coming to a program for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. According to a Heartland Community College news release, money from an Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) Innovative Bridge and Transition grant will expand the Heartland Academy for Learning Opportunities (HALO) program. “This funding furthers…… MORE
Illinois minimum wage increasing on Jan. 1
By WMBD-TV SPRINGFIELD – The minimum wage will increase for Illinois residents in 2024. According to an Illinois news release, starting Jan. 1, the minimum wage will see a $1 an hour increase from $13 an hour to $14 an hour. Tipped workers will also see a minimum wage increase to $8.50 an hour, and…… MORE
IHSA football district proposal fails
Illinois High School Association (IHSA) member schools approved 12 of 14 amendment proposals that appeared on the all-school ballot, but a proposal that would have significantly changed football scheduling in the state failed to pass.… MORE
Prices will increase next year at Miller Park Zoo
Miller Park Zoo announced on Monday price increases are coming next year.… MORE
Youth organization renovates a home in Normal
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – A previously vacant home on Glenn Ave in Normal has been rehabilitated, thanks in part to a youth organization that serves McLean County. Students from a program called Youthbuild helped turn a house that was previously occupied by a hoarder into one fit for a first-time homeowner. An open house was…… MORE
Bloomington-Normal NAACP supports state president amid controversy
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL – Leaders from the Bloomington-Normal NAACP Branch acknowledge State President Teresa Haley’s remarks about immigrants should not have been said. They also said they accept Haley’s sincere apologies. Despite Haley’s apologies, former DuPage County NAACP President Patrick Watson has been calling for Haley’s resignation. According to the Bloomington-Normal NAACP Watson “received an…… 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…