By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – A recent uptick in book boxes being set on fire have spread throughout the Twin City area. Little libraries throughout Bloomington-Normal have recently been set ablaze and burned to the ground. A victim of burned little libraries throughout Bloomington, Bob Williams, doesn’t understand the recent hate. “I was pretty ticked…… MORE
Illinois 4th grader competing to win Doodle for Google contest
By Jake Fogal FREEPORT – The fourteenth annual Doodle for Google competition is down to 54 contestants, with one from each State and Territory. Fourth grader Amelia Winter of Freeport is Illinois’ winner, and she dedicated her doodle to her dog Dasher. “In art class, that was what we were assigned to do as our…… MORE
Gasoline prices in Illinois down 45 cents over last month
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Illinois gas prices have dropped 16 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $5.15 today. According to GasBuddy, gas prices in Illinois are 45 cents lower than a month and year ago. The cheapest station in the state is $4.09, while the most expensive is $6.79 a gallon. “The…… MORE
Local gun raffle sparks tension between McLean County political parties
By HOI ABC MCLEAN COUNTY – McLean County Republicans are planning a party at the Normal CornBelters’ baseball game later this month and are welcoming the entire community, but not everyone was excited. McLean County Democrats called out a big-ticket raffle item they felt was out of touch with recent events. The GOP is raffling…… MORE
Sentencing delayed for local piano teacher facing life in prison for sexually assaulting students
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – The sentencing for McLean County piano teacher Aaron Parlier, convicted of sexually assaulting students, was postponed on Friday. However, his punishment has already been determined. He’ll spend the rest of his life behind bars unless a higher court overturns his convictions. Aaron Parlier, 41, was supposed to be sentenced Friday,…… MORE
“Coast is definitely not clear,” says Patrick De Haan regarding Illinois’ dropping gas prices
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Fuel prices in Illinois have continued to slightly fall over the last few weeks. Gas prices continue to drop across the state as prices at the pump are down 14 cents over the past week. According to GasBuddy’s latest price report, prices at the pump have dropped 15 cents over…… MORE
Local farmer: Rivian is a ‘double-edge sword’
Rivian automotive is on pace to hire nearly 7,000 employees at its Normal-based manufacturing facility; however, one local farmer reports the major boom is a double-edged sword.… MORE
Illinois and Du Quoin State Fairs hiring seasonal workers
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Looking to make some extra money this summer? The Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair are hiring seasonal workers. Spokesperson Krista Lisser says they are short about 250 workers between the two fairs. The temporary jobs pay $14 an hour and are an important part of state fair…… MORE
Morgan: All ideas are on the table when it comes to preventing another mass shooting
By IIS Radio HIGHLAND PARK – A Highland Park area lawmaker says all ideas are being considered when it comes to preventing another mass shooting. State Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) says his office has received hundreds of calls from constituents offering suggestions about new laws and policy changes. “There is a lot of discussion about…… MORE
First African American woman sworn in to the Illinois Supreme Court
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – The first Black woman to sit on the Illinois Supreme Court was sworn in Thursday. After taking the oath at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, new Justice Lisa Holder-White spoke about the historic moment. “As I see it, taking my oath in this place today recognizes…… 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…