By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Fair is for everyone, says fair manager Rebecca Clark. “One in seven individuals live with a disability,” said Clark. “Those with autism, PTSD, and other sensory-processing sensitivities often experience sensory overload, limiting their ability to comfortably participate in social gatherings.” A “sensory friendly” area next to the…… MORE
Reportedly 40 gun shots fired in early Sunday morning shooting in south Normal
By Jake Fogal NORMAL – Normal Police responded to a shots fire call earlier Sunday morning where two individuals sustained gun shot wounds. At 3:30 a.m., officers were called to the area of South Linden Street and Lindell Drive for a report of multiple shots fired. Upon arrival at the scene, officers observed several vehicles…… MORE
Man shot in Bloomington early Monday morning
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – A man suffered non life-threatening injuries early Monday morning after being shot in Bloomington, police said. According to the police department, officers were sent to the 500 block of West Grove Street on a report of shots fired. Once then, they found a man who had been shot. Paramedics with the…… MORE
Average gasoline prices continue rise nationwide
By Jake Fogal MCLEAN COUNTY – Gas prices have continued to rise across the country as here in Illinois gas is up 7.0 cents over the week, averaging $4.04. “Average gasoline prices continued to move up last week thanks to a continued rise in oil and continued pressure from hot weather that impacted refineries. However,…… MORE
2023 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen
An experience babysitting a child with a seizure disorder is guiding the path of this year’s Miss Illinois County Fair Queen.… MORE
Schedule changes at this year’s Illinois State Fair
Changes to the calendar are part of the 2023 Illinois State Fair. … MORE
Copi for sale at Illinois State Fair
An invasive fish that’s getting an image makeover is for sale to eat at the Illinois State Fair.… MORE
El Paso police arrest man who arranged to meet two minors
The El Paso Police Department said a man was arrested as a result of a sting operation Saturday evening.… MORE
Gov. Pritzker for President?
Gov. JB Pritzker’s growing national profile is doing little to quell speculation he has his eye on the White House in 2028.… MORE
ISU men’s basketball announces 2023-24 non-conference schedule
It’s highlighted by six home games, a trip to the Gulf Coast Showcase in Fort Myers, Florida, and road games at Saint Louis and Kentucky.… 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…