By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – District 87 has filled a vacancy on it’s school board. Following Fitzgerald Samedy’s resignation from the board back in mid-Feburary, Regional Superintendent Mark Jontry has listed Cathy Lust as Samedy’s replacement. Samedy had stepped down from the school board after being charged with a repeat drunken driving conviction. Jontry selected…… MORE
Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology puts on “Innovation Day”
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ Department of Innovation and Technology is sharing “what’s next.” Acting secretary Brandon Ragle’s department put on an “Innovation Day,” which, he said, “is really just to show collaboration and awareness. How broad, when we say innovation and technology, what that really means. It’s not just computer programming. It’s working…… MORE
Not everybody in the cannabis business is hitting the jackpot
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Not everybody in the cannabis business is hitting the jackpot. Craft growers say they have millions tied up in licenses which have yet to generate money. The growers blame aggressive regulations. Illinois Independent Craft Growers Association executive director Lisbeth Vargas Jaimes says state leaders need to think about “social equity”…… MORE
Coroner identifies victim of motorcycle crash in Normal
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – The McLean County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim of a motorcycle and car crash Friday night in Normal. According to a Normal police press release, 22-year-old Douglas Wriston of Warren, Michigan died in the crash. The cause of death is still pending. Officers were called to the I-55/74 overpass on…… MORE
Kitchen fire Thursday afternoon in Normal
By WJBC Staff NORMAL – The Normal Fire Department responded to a kitchen a fire Thursday afternoon at 1806 Truman Drive. Firefighters were called to the home in the Greenbriar subdivision around 3:30 p.m., where they found heavy smoke in the kitchen. According to a news release, fire crews were able to control the blaze…… MORE
Arson suspect arrested in Bloomington
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – On Wednesday, Bloomington Police arrested 39-year old Micah Davis for arson. Davis is accused of setting small fires on the west side of Bloomington during the overnight hours of April 15 through April 16. The fires were along West Market and Washington Streets. Police said Davis set a vehicle and trash…… MORE
Body found Thursday by Bloomington Police identified as missing woman
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Police Department has concluded it’s missing persons investigation from earlier this week, as a body was identified Thursday morning as Melissa S. Ostrom. Ostrum had been reported missing on Monday and was pronounced dead upon being found by officers early Thursday. An autopsy is pending and a death…… MORE
Connect Transit suspending fares for Earth Day
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Connect Transit announced they will suspend fares Saturday, April 22, to celebrate Earth Day. According to a Connect Transit news release, fares will be suspended for all public transportation services in Bloomington-Normal to encourage everyone to “try transit” on Earth Day and make a positive impact on the environment. Local residents are encouraged to…… MORE
Next mayor of Chicago addresses Illinois House and Senate
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois House and Senate Wednesday welcomed the next mayor of Chicago to a rare joint session. Brandon Johnson called Chicago a union town and Illinois a union state. “Just look at our state constitution, where we grant workers the fundamental right to organize and to collectively bargain. Right there…… MORE
ISU men’s basketball adds Jason Slay to coaching staff
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – Illinois State men’s basketball head coach Ryan Pedon is adding to his coaching staff. Jason Slay comes to ISU after spending two seasons at the University of South Florida where he was an assistant coach with the Bulls. “Jason came very highly recommended to me early on in our search,”…… 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…