By WMBD-TV NORMAL – There’s been another celebrity sighting in Central Illinois. Actor Henry Winkler was spotted in Uptown Normal on Monday. According to the Uptown Normal Facebook page, Winkler was in town for a speaking engagement, then he grabbed some refreshments at The Coffeehouse in Uptown after he shopped at the Children’s Discovery Museum’s store.…… MORE
Miller Park Zoo at half-capacity for construction
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – Miller Park Zoo will begin to see major upgrades as construction got underway on Monday. According to Miller Park Zoo Facebook, the sidewalk outside the Wallaby Walkabout and Guanacos and River Otters will be replaced. While this construction will render half the park unavailable to the public, Miller Park Zoo is still…… MORE
U of I researcher: Connection between COVID and mental illness in women of color
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Three years after the pandemic started, a University of Illinois researcher says anxiety and depression showed up more in Black and Latina women. These non-whites have many things going against them. “They were overrepresented, and continue to be overrepresented, in chronic health conditions, often due to high levels of stress…… MORE
State program working to add mental health professionals amidst labor shortage
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – A rising awareness that behavioral health has less of a stigma means treatment professionals are in demand. And there’s a shortage. Enter the Behavioral Health Workforce Center, unveiled Wednesday. The center will be headquartered at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield. “We cannot understate the work that has…… MORE
New assault weapons ban will eventually be before Illinois Supreme Court
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – As those interested in the assault weapons ban await word from the Illinois Supreme Court on its constitutionality, State Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) says that bill was rushed through the General Assembly. “From the start of the first hearing on the bill until the governor’s signature was approximately 41 days,”…… MORE
Two Central Illinois teachers finalists for “Teacher of the Year” award
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Two local teachers have been selected as finalists for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) 2023 Teacher of the Year award. According to an ISBE press release, the two finalists are Ricardo King Jr. from Normal Community High School and Dr. Katherine Bruemmer from Heyworth Junior-Senior High School. King is…… MORE
Governor announces half the residents at Choate Mental Health Center will be transferred
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – A state residential facility in far southern Illinois – rocked by reports of nightmarish conditions for people who live there – now has the Pritzker administration’s full attention. Following up on the announcement that half of the Choate Mental Health Center’s population is being shipped out, Gov. JB Pritzker blamed…… MORE
Central Catholic, Cornerstone Christian compete Thursday in IHSA boys basketball final four
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – After a win earlier this week in the IHSA Class 2A Super-Sectionals over Pontiac, the Central Catholic (25-11) boys basketball team will face the Rockridge Rockets (28-4) in the state semifinals Thursday in Champaign. The Saints are led by head coach Jason Welch who is in his 16th year at…… MORE
Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association pushing pair of bills at Capitol
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The right to kick out problem guests – when they verbally abuse staff – is one Illinois hotels do not legally enjoy. Michael Jacobson, president and CEO of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, wants to change that. “These are the dedicated employees who make you feel at home when…… MORE
Rivian to take on more debt after last month’s layoffs
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Rivian is taking on more debt and selling $1.3 billion dollars in bonds. The electric automaker says this is a result of weakening demand and higher production costs. Currently, Rivian has $11.5 billion dollars cash on hand. That is lower than $13.2 billion from last quarter. The company has been losing…… 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…