Category Archives: Local News

Algae treatment for Lake Bloomington and Lake Evergreen after microcystin spike

Algae treatment for Lake Bloomington and Lake Evergreen after microcystin spike

Posted on March 28, 2025

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — Lake Bloomington and Lake Evergreen are being cleaned of algae. This comes after an increase in microcystin, which is a naturally occurring toxin that can form on growing algae. The city’s water department and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency have been monitoring the water quality closely since a spike in algae occurred in January. Testing confirmed…… MORE

Town of Normal Mayoral candidates talk about what matters most to them

Town of Normal Mayoral candidates talk about what matters most to them

Posted on March 25, 2025

NORMAL – Three candidates are all vying for the title of Mayor for the town of Normal. Council member Chemberly Harris, Incumbent candidate Chris Koos and Council member Kathleen Lorenz are the three people residents of Normal can vote on in the upcoming consolidated election. Below is why the candidates are running, the issues they…… 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…