Republicans have lost control of the McLean County Board after a GOP member announced he’s now a ‘proud Democrat.’… MORE
Gibson City teen dies in McLean County crash
A 17-year-old Gibson City teenager has died after a crash Wednesday night east of the Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington.… MORE
Normal Police thanks other agencies and community for ‘safe, fun, and enjoyable’ Leah Marlene homecoming
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – After more than 10,000 people gathered Tuesday night to welcome home Leah Marlene, Normal Police are thanking the community and other agencies for a “safe, fun, and enjoyable” event. According to a NPD Facebook post, several agencies assisted at the event in Uptown Normal. That includes Normal Fire, Bloomington Police,…… MORE
Crash kills one person in eastern McLean County
By HOI ABC MCLEAN COUNTY – Illinois State Police said one person died in a crash that happened early Wednesday evening at the intersection of Illinois Route 9 and the LeRoy-Lexington Blacktop. The person who died was the driver of a passenger car that collided with some type of commercial vehicle, according to Illinois State…… MORE
U of I Law Professor: “Sanctions are unlikely to result in energy shortages”
A University of Illinois expert in securities law and cross-border transactions says sanctions against Russia are not guaranteed to be effective. … MORE
ISA: New legislation will help central Illinois farmers
Legislation is headed to Gov. Pritzker’s desk to help soybean farmers across central Illinois.… MORE
Lincoln Police: Burglaries and thefts are on the rise
By Blake Haas LINCOLN – As the temperature warms up, Lincoln Police reports a rise in thefts and burglaries. According to a social media post, the department reports criminals are out looking for tools and other valuables stored within a garage or shed. As a result, the department asks the public to survey their garage,…… MORE
Ford Tri-Motor plane to be featured at Experimental Aircraft Association
By Dave Dahl If your grandparents were adventurous enough to fly, they just may have ridden on a plane which is the main attraction at the Experimental Aircraft Association show in Springfield Thursday through Sunday. It’s the Ford Tri-Motor, built in 1928 and sort of a precursor to the DC-3. Organizer John Salz, president of…… MORE
Bloomington individual arrested on multiple weapon counts
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington Police officers attempted a pedestrian stop early Monday morning near the intersection of Morris Avenue and Market Street. The male individual, later identified as Nicholas Mull, fled police while grasping a fanny pack. He was later located and resisted arrest by BPD officers. During the arrest, officers located ammunition…… MORE
Thousands gather in Uptown Normal to welcome home Leah Marlene
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – Thousands of people gathered in Uptown Normal Tuesday night to celebrate Leah Marlene. The Normal native returned home as she continues her journey on the singing competition ‘American Idol’ and will compete in the finale this Sunday. Normal Mayor Chris Koos proclaimed May 17, 2022 as “Leah Marlene Day” during…… 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…