Category Archives: Local News

COUNTRY Financial has tips for filing claims after severe weather

COUNTRY Financial has tips for filing claims after severe weather

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – Following the severe storms from earlier this week, COUNTRY Financial is offering some tips when filing insurance claims. The insurance and financial services company says to take photos of all damage. Some insurers will even cover the cost of spoiled food. So, include spoiled food in your photos before tossing it…MORE

Two local pitchers picked in Major League Baseball draft Tuesday

Two local pitchers picked in Major League Baseball draft Tuesday

By WMBD-TV CENTRAL ILLINOIS – Two pitchers from central Illinois were selected on the final day of the Major League Baseball draft on Tuesday. The Cardinals selected Normal Community grad Mason Burns in the 14th round. He started his college career at Illinois State and transferred to Western Kentucky where he racked up 15 saves…MORE

Normal Town Council approves modifying an enterprise zone to support Rivian’s expansion

Normal Town Council approves modifying an enterprise zone to support Rivian’s expansion

By WMBD NORMAL – Normal Town Council unanimously approved extending the boundary of an enterprise zone in Bloomington-Normal to support Rivian’s future expansion. An Enterprise Zone provides economic incentives to commercial companies undertaking new investments, including facility expansion. This would extend the boundaries to cover 320 acres located at Rivian Motorway, across from Rivian. It…MORE

USDA crop report enjoying favorable conditions midway through summer

USDA crop report enjoying favorable conditions midway through summer

By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.0 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending July 14, 2024. Statewide, the average temperature was 75.5 degrees, 0.9 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.93 inches, 1.13 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 2 percent very short, 15 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 4 percent…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…