CHICAGO – The anti-NATO demonstration in Chicago on Sunday was peaceful. But when the demonstration ended, so did the peace.

The demonstration was polite, featuring Iraq and Afghanistan veterans taking off their medals and tossing them toward the building where the NATO summit is taking place. The demonstration took place a half-mile east of the McCormick Place convention center.

Those in the crowd cheered, clapped and held up the two-fingered peace sign.

But when the program was over, some in the crowd of thousands wouldn’t leave. A small number of people engaged with police, pushing, shoving and throwing water bottles. That prompted officers, many in helmets and riot gear, to push the crowd to the west, at one point creating a hazard with the crowd being pushed toward a temporary fence with no way out.

The result: 45 arrests, four cops injured, some protesters injured, and it took several hours to disperse the crowd.

Later Sunday, a protest cropped up near the Art Institute of Chicago, where first lady Michelle Obama was hosting a dinner for spouses of NATO leaders.

Spencer Platt/Sean Gallup/Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

It’s a familiar scene — you graduate and to celebrate your folks reward you with a new set of wheels.

Automotive website Total Car Score has issued its list of the top 10 cars for college graduates.

“College grads are looking to make an investment in a car that is reliable and cost-conscious,” said Karl Brauer, editor-in-chief of Total Car Score. “We compiled a list of the top-rated cars that offer the best quality while being very affordable.”

This year Volkswagen comes out strong with three different models making the top 10. So, if you’re looking for value when shopping for Junior’s new ride, keep the VW in mind.

All of the vehicles on the list start under $25,000, with seven out of the 10 starting at under $17,000.

2012′s TOP 10 CARS FOR COLLEGE GRADUATES, WITH MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED PRICE

[PR Newswire]

BLOOMINGTON — You know summer is just around the corner when the downtown Bloomington farmers’ market opens.

The first market of the year took place Saturday on the downtown square at Main and Jefferson streets. WJBC agribusiness director Carrie Muehling broadcast live from opening day.

The 2012 season runs through Oct. 27, with an indoor Thanksgiving market on Nov. 17.

See a WJBC.com photo you want to buy? Order it online using PayPal at our Photo Orders page.

NORMAL – The third annual Bloomington Kiwanis Mother’s Day Flower Sale got under way Friday at the Shoppes at College Hills.

The Bloomington Kiwanis club holds the event every Mother’s Day weekend, selling thousands of annual and perennial plants to the community. Their red and white canopy flower tent is located between Yankee Candle and Ann Taylor Loft at the Shoppes at College Hills

The rest of this year’s sale runs 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The flowers are provided by Niepagen’s Wholesale Flowers with a wide selection of annuals and perennials in flats, pots and hanging pots.

Check out our photo gallery from Friday’s sale above!

See a WJBC.com photo you want to buy? Order it online using PayPal at our Photo Orders page.

NORMAL – Illinois State men’s basketball fans have high expectations for the 2012-13 season. New head coach Dan Muller says his expectations are even higher.

Muller was formally introduced Tuesday as the new Illinois State coach, returning to a team that he led to the NCAA Tournament twice as player in the 1990s.

Muller, who spent the past 12 years as an assistant and recruiting chief at Vanderbilt, said he looks forward to building on the team that former ISU coach Tim Jankovich put together before leaving for a highly paid assistant post at SMU several weeks ago.

Athletics director Gary Friedman introduced Muller during a press conference at Redbird Arena. Muller said his program will be player-focused, driven by integrity, loyalty and work ethic.

“We’re gonna get after it in recruiting. We’re gonna get after it in practice. We’re gonna get after it in the classroom. On the court. We’re gonna get after it,” Muller said. “We’re gonna work and we’re gonna earn what we get.”

Muller beat out at least two other finalists for the job: current ISU assistant coach Rob Judson and Gonzaga assistant Ray Giacoletti. Muller’s five-year contract will pay him $375,000 annually.

Friedman said the selection process determined Muller was the “right fit” for Illinois State.

“After talking with several basketball people across the country, it was evident that Dan was the complete package, in terms of academics, recruiting, evaluation, player development, in-game coaching and game preparation,” Friedman said.

Muller takes over a team that returns virtually all of the key players from the 2011-12 squad – a team that came close to winning a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

“We’re gonna put our own expectations on ourselves that’ll be higher than anybody else’s. Those will be ours,” Muller said Tuesday. “We’ll expect to compete. We’ll expect to play together. We’ll expect to represent Illinois State, the fans, the administration, the faculty, and the entire Redbird Nation the right way.”

Building a staff

Muller did not commit to keeping Judson or the other two ISU assistants, Anthony Beane and Paris Parham, on staff for the 2012-13 campaign. He told reporters that he planned to speak with each assistant, “and my role, and my job, is to put together the best assistant coaching staff” possible.

Muller said he wants to fill up Redbird Arena with fans and is “gonna schedule well,” implying a tougher nonconference schedule than Jankovich’s squads faced.

“The talent level, the character, the selflessness of these guys, I couldn’t be more excited about these guys,” Muller added about the current roster.

ISU junior forward Jackie Carmichael said he’s happy with the coaching decision and the team is excited to work with Muller. Carmichael said the former Redbird standout met with his new squad Tuesday and told them he wants to build a relationship with them.

“He has to earn our trust, and he understands that. He wants to, in a sense, recruit us again a little bit,” he said. “I’m looking forward to building a relationship with Coach Muller.”

Muller has been on Vanderbilt’s staff for the past 12 seasons under Kevin Stallings, a former ISU coach himself. Muller has led the program’s recruiting efforts since 2006.

Muller played for the Redbirds from 1995-98 and went to the NCAA tournament twice – the last time ISU has been in the Big Dance. He also was a two-time MVC Defensive Player of the Year and was named the MVP of the MVC Tournament as a senior.

Muller helped ISU to a 91-36 record during his stay. He has not been a head coach.

“Illinois State is getting the same thing that they got when Dan was a player. He will do all aspects of the job extremely well,” Stallings said in a statement. “Most of all, he brings the same pursuit of excellence and commitment to excellence that he had as a student-athlete where he achieved not only the highest level of success in the classroom by being a Bone Scholar and an academic All-American, but also by setting several school records, many of which he still holds, and starting every game of his college career.”

WJBC will update this story.

RELATED STORIES:

• Teammate Gibbons: Muller an ‘unbelievable basketball mind’
• ISU to name Dan Muller head coach

Ryan Denham can be reached at ryan@wjbc.com.

Listen to WJBC’s interview with Dan Muller:

Listen to WJBC’s interview with Jackie Carmichael:

Listen to WJBC’s interview with Gary Friedman:

Listen to the entire press conference:

NORMAL – Illinois State football is back.

The Redbirds took the field Saturday for the Red-White Scrimmage, which was the culmination of a 15-session spring workout period for Illinois State.

The day’s activities began with the fourth annual Kids Football Fest, which was scheduled to take place on the playing field at Hancock Stadium.

Check out our photo gallery (above) from the game!

See a WJBC.com photo you want to buy? Order it online using PayPal at our Photo Orders page.

BLOOMINGTON – Rising country music star Eric Church packed the U.S. Cellular Coliseum on Saturday night for the first of two local shows.

Church is on his “Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour.” Saturday’s show sold out in 30 minutes, so he added a second Coliseum show for Sunday night at 7 p.m.

Check out our photo gallery (above) from Saturday’s concert!

See a WJBC.com photo you want to buy? Order it online using PayPal at our Photo Orders page.

NORMAL – The Illinois State baseball team took on Interstate 74 rival Bradley on Sunday at Duffy Bass Field in Normal.

It was the last of a three-game series this week between the Redbirds and the Braves.

Check out our photo gallery from the game above.

See a WJBC.com photo you want to buy? Order it online using PayPal at our Photo Orders page.

NORMAL – Illinois State University’s Gamma Phi Circus is back in the swing of it, with a debut performance Friday night and two more on Saturday.

Two more Gamma Phi Spring Show performances are Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Redbird Arena, with doors opening one hour before performance time.

There will be a special carnival preceding the Saturday matinee performance. The Carnival will begin at 12 p.m. at Redbird Arena. The performance will then begin at 1 p.m.

See a WJBC.com photo you want to buy? Order it using PayPal at our Photo Orders page.

Like a good garage sale?  At a special group sale this weekend, you can find a deal, name your price and help children connect with the world … all at the same time!

The Bloomington-Normal Young Professional Kiwanis Club will hold its annual Autism Awareness Garage Sale on Saturday, April 21 at the Lakewood Plaza (next to The Outback).  The sale will be Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

All proceeds from the garage sale will be given to Autism Society of McLean County for Autism Camp.

“Autism Camp provides a valuable experience for children on the autism spectrum,” Club Member Craig Luchtefeld said. “Children have the opportunity to engage in camp activities on Lake Bloomington, including, canoeing, swimming, horseback riding and games in a safe and supportive atmosphere.”

Garage sale items will have no listed prices… You name your price instead. The goal is to sell each and every item.

Click Below to listen to Craig Luchtefeld with Kiwanis and Karin McDowell with ASMC on WJBC:

Event Information:

Autism Awareness Garage Sale

When:    7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 21, 2012

Where:    Lakewood Plaza, Bloomington, Ill. (next to The Outback)

Want to Donate Items?  Drop off your goods on Friday 5-8 p.m.

Beth Whisman can be reached at whisman@wjbc.com.

LOS ANGELES – Dick Clark, the television host who helped bring rock `n’ roll into the mainstream on “American Bandstand,” has died. He was 82.

Spokesman Paul Shefrin says Clark died but did not provide further details.Clark had continued performing even after he suffered a stroke in 2004 that affected his ability to speak and walk.

Long dubbed “the world’s oldest teenager” because of his boyish appearance, Clark also was a successful businessman. He hosted an annual New Year’s Eve special and supplied a variety of game shows and music specials to TV, including and the American Music Awards.

The original “American Bandstand” was one of network TV’s longest-running series as part of ABC’s daytime lineup from 1957 to 1987. Over the years, it introduced stars ranging from Buddy Holly to Michael Jackson to Madonna.

SPRINGFIELD – Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said Tuesday he’s using Illinois and its many problems as an argument for keeping him in office.

The first-term Republican faces a recall election in June primarily because he restricted union bargaining rights for state employees.

Walker spoke to Illinois business groups on Tuesday in Springfield to defend his record. He said that unlike Illinois leaders, he has put Wisconsin on sound financial footing without raising taxes or worsening unemployment.

Walker told reporters the event was a campaign stop meant to show voters that his ouster could mean Illinois-style problems will hit Wisconsin.

Union members with a 20-foot inflatable rat protested outside. Inside, the crowd inside greeted Walker with extended standing ovations.

Michael Shipman, with IBEW Local 21 in Springfield, said what happened in Wisconsin can’t happen to union members in Illinois.

“We have a right to collectively bargain, and that’s exactly what Scott Walker wanted to take away,” he said. “I’m not in the public sector. But the more these people bring down public sector employees, it goes downhill. It’s gonna come down to, when we try to negotiate with our employers, they’re gonna try to negotiate for lower wages on us. I have two kids. I have a wife to take care of.”

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn said before Walker’s visit that the record shows Illinois has done more in the areas of attracting businesses to the state and job creation than Wisconsin has.

“I’m happy to compare our job record against his,” Quinn said. “Illinois is in recovery, we have a long way to go but over the last couple of months we’ve had excellent reports and in the recovery period we’ve created about 120,000 jobs. Wisconsin’s dead last in the whole country. They haven’t created any jobs. Look at the record.”

Many detractors also wondered why Walker was invited to speak, given Walker’s history of trying to lure Illinois companies north. Walker downplayed those calls, in which he offered tax incentives to Illinois companies that move.

“The biggest thing we keep track of is the unemployment rate,” says Walker, noting he doesn’t keep track of how many Illinois companies have crossed the border. “Illinois’ is 9.1 percent, Wisconsin’s is 6.9 percent, and I believe it will continue to drop because of our policies.”

Metro News Service and Illinois Radio Network contributed to this report.

(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Okay, I admit it. I thought going to a Barry Manilow concert might turn out to be the cheesiest thing I’d ever do.

My good friend Susan, from WNBQ, is a self-proclaimed “Fanilow” … that’s a hardcore Manilow fan for those of us not in the know.  When she asked me to go with her to see Barry in concert at U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington, I figured if she was getting the tickets, it couldn’t hurt to spend an early evening out with a crowd of people my mother’s age.  At the very worst, I’d just be bored.

I was wrong.

His show was pretty amazing. His fans were great, too.

Why did I think I wouldn’t enjoy the man who writes the songs that make the whole world sing? I’m not sure how to answer that.  I’m just glad I went to the show.  Even if I didn’t know every single lyric (as most of the crowd seem to), every song Barry Manilow sang was beautiful.

I just wish he’d done his jingle medley…. He was in Bloomington after all.  Couldn’t he just throw us a “Like a Good Neighbor” bone?

Thanks Susan!  

(Check out her photos below)

— Beth

Susan shared her photos with me today, so I’m passing them along to you:

BLOOMINGTON – A former WJBC and WBNQ personality who was known as much for his service to the community as his time on the air has died.

J.D. Scott died Tuesday at his home in Bloomington. He was 61.

J.D. joined the WBNQ staff in 1975. In 1998, he moved to Radio Bloomington sister station WJBC, where he worked until 2002.

J.D.’s colleagues remember him as a caring, optimistic person who would do anything for anyone.

Former WBNQ host Scott Robbins worked with Scott during two stints in the 1980s and 1990s.

“The one thing I completely think about when I think of J.D. Scott was how big of a heart he had,” Robbins said. “He was always willing to do whatever. You’d ask him to do something, he’d do it.”

J.D. also worked behind the scenes in promotions. WJBC Promotions Director Patti Penn, who worked with him at WBNQ, said J.D. gave a voice to countless charities in the community.

“Organizations like PATH, Catholic Charities or Salvation Army — places that we knew existed, but he really made an effort to go out there and make a difference,” Penn said.

WJBC morning show host Scott Laughlin worked with Scott when he joined WBNQ in 1982. He recalled that J.D. wasn’t afraid to push the envelope on the air.

“I liked the fact that he was one of the only guys that ever got in trouble with (station manager) Tim Ives  for saying something inappropriate on the air. He was a rebel in his day,” Laughlin said.

Aside from his radio responsibilities, one of J.D.’s other passions was the Civil War. He frequently volunteered as a re-enactor and helped with Civil War demonstrations and lectures at schools, clubs and organizations.

“He could tell you the Top 40 hits and the Top 40 battles during the Civil War all at the same time. He was diverse, too,” Robbins said.

Visitation for J.D. will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 4 at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home at 1115 E. Washington in Bloomington. Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. at the memorial home on Thursday, April 5 with Rev. James Pruyne officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded and a private inurnment service will be held at Maroa Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Prairie Aviation Museum and the McLean County Museum of History in Bloomington.

J.D. was a father of two. His son David Scott is a graphic designer in Bloomington-Normal and his daughter, Amber Scott, lives in Carbondale. Their mother Carlita Davis Scott survives.

J.D.’s brothers Max and and Garrett Scott survive. Garrett is a former Normal town council member.

J.D. is also survived by long-time companion Ruth Cobb.

“He was always primed to use his voice and his efforts and also the radio station’s powers to make things happen in McLean County,” she said. “He always wanted to focus on doing as much good for as many people as could possibly be done.”

Eric Stock can be reached at eric@wjbc.com.

NORMAL – Hundreds of local kids swarmed the Normal CornBelters Corn Crib on Saturday for the town of Normal’s Easter egg hunt.

Children between ages 2 and 10 hunted for thousands of Easter eggs filled with candy and prizes – including special offers for CornBelters tickets and merchandise.

Individual tickets for CornBelters regular season home games also went on sale Saturday morning. Tickets can be purchased in-person at the Corn Crib Box Office, by phone at 309-454-2255, or online at www.normalbaseball.com.

BLOOMINGTON — WJBC’s staff was all over Bloomington-Normal on Tuesday as the primary election results came in.

Check out our photo gallery from some of the watch parties.

NORMAL — The 2nd annual Sharin’ of the Green Parade marched Uptown Normal on Saturday.

Check out our photo gallery (above) and video (below) from the St. Patrick’s Day event!

LITTLETON, Colo. – Impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich has entered a Colorado prison to begin a 14-year sentence for his multiple corruption convictions.

The 55-year-old Democrat arrived in a black SUV on Thursday at the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in suburban Denver.

Blagojevich was convicted on charges that included trying to sell or trade President Barack Obama’s vacated Senate seat. He was sentenced in December but given three months to say goodbye to his wife and two school-age daughters before reporting to prison.

In what has become a familiar scene since his arrest three years ago, Blagojevich bounded down the stairs of his Chicago home this morning as reporters and photographers crushed around him and well-wishers shouted encouragement.

“I’m leaving with a heavy heart, a clear conscience and I have high, high hopes for the future,” he said.

Blagojevich didn’t appear in a hurry to report to prison.

He stopped for lunch at a 50′s-style restaurant in the Denver suburbs after first driving around the Federal Correctional Institution in Englewood. Blagojevich and his entourage then left the Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers in Littleton and headed for the prison.

Restaurant owner Brian Pyle says Blagojevich ordered two patty melts but didn’t appear to have much of an appetite.

The 55-year-old impeached ex-governor headed straight for the prison after arriving at a Denver airport. But his SUV circled the facility several times before leaving.

After lunch, Blagojevich reported to the prison to begin serving a 14-year sentence on corruption convictions, including charges he tried to sell or trade President Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat.

Poll: Do you think Blagojevich got a fair sentence?

Click here to take the poll and earn points!

WJBC and You Name It Sports bring you coverage of the University High School Pioneers all season long.

Browse the photo gallery for some of the best shots by You Name It Sports from this school year at U-High. Check back often for updated photos from local high school basketball, volleyball, football, cheerleading, soccer, track and field, softball, tennis and golf.

Are you interested in buying the photos you see? Find more University High School photos to view or purchase by clicking here.

WJBC and You Name It Sports bring you coverage of the Normal Community West High School Wildcats all season long.

Browse the photo gallery for some of the best shots by You Name It Sports from this school year at Normal West. Check back often for updated photos from local high school basketball, volleyball, football, cheerleading, soccer, track and field, softball, tennis and golf.

Are you interested in buying the photos you see? Find more Normal Community West High School photos to view or purchase by clicking here.