By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division concluded a lengthy investigation on Wednesday that dealt with multiple counts of Sexual Assault. BPD Officers arrested 26-year old Michelle Blessent without incident on Wednesday. Blessent has been charged with five counts of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault. Bond was set at $1 million,…… MORE
Illinois State Athletic Director Kyle Brennan resigns
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Illinois State Athletics Director Kyle Brennan has resigned from the University effective on April 30, announced by Interim President Aondover Tarhule on Thursday morning. Brennan was named to the position in December of 2020. A decision regarding who will serve as acting athletics director is forthcoming. A national search will…… MORE
ISU receives state grant to support teacher education
By WJBC Staff NORMAL – Illinois State University was awarded a grant of more than $800,000 by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) to support the ongoing education of early childhood teachers. The funds are part of the $3.37 million awarded in IBHE Early Childhood Faculty Preparation Grants. At ISU, the funds will aid…… MORE
Bloomington police was ‘justified’ when they shot a person in late March, prosecutor said
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington police officers were justified when they shot another person in late March, the state’s attorney announced Wednesday. In a news release, the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office and Bloomington Police released an initial report regarding the March 30 shooting at the Turnberry Square Apartments. “The McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office finds the course of actions…… MORE
Ameren adding Rivian trucks to its fleet
By WMBD-TV PEORIA – Rivian delivered eight of 10 new electric trucks to Ameren’s Peoria Pioneer Parkway facility on Wednesday. It’s the Twin Cities-based electric vehicle manufacturer’s largest fleet delivery in central Illinois to date. “For us, it’s very important to present a flagship product that not only showcases performance through the vehicle, but utility…… MORE
Easterseals Camp makes sure campers feel included
By WMBD-TV HUDSON – Timber Pointe outdoor center in Hudson is 170 acres of campground owned by Easterseals Central Illinois. The Center specializes in advocacy for those living with disabilities. Easterseals camps are meant to teach inclusion of everyone. “You get a group of nine-year-olds that want to learn how to applaud in sign language…… MORE
Unit 5 School Board holds special meeting to reverse budget cuts
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – At a special meeting on Tuesday, the Unit 5 School Board voted to reinstate the reductions that were approved for the 2023-2024 school year. The reversal comes after the passing of a tax rate referendum from April’s Consolidated Elections. The cuts were approved just in case the referendum failed a second…… MORE
ISU’s Paige Robinson drafted by Dallas Wings
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Illinois State’s star guard and reigning Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year Paige Robinson was drafted by the Dallas Wings in the third round of the WNBA Draft Monday night. Robinson is the first-ever Redbird player to be drafted into the league. She amassed more than 2,000 points in four years at…… MORE
Drones and Starbucks coming to Bloomington
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – The city of Bloomington is adjusting to the growth in the area. Three drones will be purchased for the police department to help with crime prevention. The total for the drones is $101,675.02 and they will be purchased over the course of five years. “In the past the Chief of Police…… MORE
Man shot at Bloomington Park Sunday afternoon
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – A 20-year-old male who had been shot was discovered at Bloomington park on Sunday afternoon. According to BPD, the shooting had occurred at Alton Depot Park a little after 2:30 on Sunday. The injured males wound is not thought to be life-threatening. No one has been arrested, and there is…… 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…