On the heels of a $5 million donation, Illinois State University is on pace to crack over $30 million raised in the past fiscal year.… MORE
Red Cross needs blood: “It’s been a real challenge throughout the pandemic”
Amidst the pandemic, the Red Cross is seeing a blood shortage across the board.… MORE
Gun shots reportedly fired near Rainbow Avenue in Bloomington
By Jake Fogal On Sunday, Bloomington Police officers were summoned to the 2200 block of Rainbow Avenue in response to a fight call. Several residents called to say that bullets had been fired shortly after. BPD officers arrived on the site and discovered physical evidence of a shooting. No injuries have been reported, no suspect(s)…… MORE
American Red Cross Announces Jon Dorenbos as Speaker at the 27th Annual Evening of Stars
The American Red Cross is excited to announce Jon Dorenbos, two-time NFL Pro Bowl player, Walter Payton Man of the Year Award recipient and finalist on America’s Got Talent, will be the special guest and keynote speaker at the 27th annual Evening of Stars Celebration!… MORE
Some Downstate Republicans want immediate action to undo the gas tax increase
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Outrage over gas prices made for rich Republican fodder at a campaign announcement starring State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia). The senator, one of six Republicans who want to be governor, wants the legislature back in Springfield to do something about the gas tax. The state’s share had been 19 cents…… MORE
Dashcam video shows attack on ISP trooper during McLean County traffic stop
By HOI ABC CHENOA – New dashcam video shows an Illinois State Police trooper trying to help the driver of a traffic stop near Chenoa, before being attacked. The 11-minute video, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, shows state trooper Matthew Niehaus conducting a traffic stop on Randy Turner for speeding, allegedly at 109 miles…… MORE
Teenager sentenced to juvenile prison for bringing loaded gun to Bloomington High School
A 16-year old Bloomington boy was sentenced Wednesday to 2 1/2 years in a state prison for juveniles for bringing a loaded handgun to school.… MORE
Bloomington Gold Corvette show returning to the twin cities this weekend
The world’s largest Corvette show is returning to its roots this weekend in the twin cities for the first time since the ’70s.… MORE
Under new law, schools will now be able to teach students about gun storage
Schools will be able to teach students about proper gun storage under a new state law.… MORE
Anonymous donor gifts $5M to Illinois State University and University High School
An anonymous donor is gifting $5 million to Illinois State University to set the stage for the next generation of teachers.… 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…