Dewon Griffin faces at least 48 years in prison after being found guilty Monday in connection with a deadly New Year’s Eve shooting four years ago.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Mayor Chris Koos announces re-election bid for sixth term
In a Monday morning announcement, Normal Mayor Chris Koos said he seeks re-election in the April 2025 consolidated election for an anticipated sixth term.… MORE
Investigation underway at OSF HealthCare for employees’ social media account
OSF HealthCare is investigating a statement shared on an employee’s social media account.… MORE
Woodford Sheriff warns of scammers impersonating police
By WMBD-TV WOODFORD COUNTY – Scammers found a new grift by masquerading as Woodford County deputies and staff, according to a post from the office’s Facebook page. The Woodford County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents they don’t call for payment or any other kind of solicitation. Scammers will often use threats or coercion while imitating police to get…… MORE
Mobile home a total loss after catching on fire in Fairbury
A mobile home in rural Fairbury became caught on fire on Friday evening.… MORE
Woman and three dogs escape house fire in Normal
A woman and her three dogs escaped unharmed after their home in Normal caught fire on Saturday.… MORE
Belvidere Stellantis plant to reopen as part of $5B investment with $334M from feds
Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler and Dodge, plans to reopen a shuttered plant in Illinois after receiving hundreds of millions of dollars from the Biden Administration.… MORE
Months-long traffic enforcement in Normal leads to two arrests and 70 citations
A month’s long traffic enforcement led to the arrest of two individuals in Normal.… MORE
American Red Cross of Illinois stressing blood donations amid historic heat
By WMBD-TV PEORIA – The American Red Cross of Illinois stresses the ever-present demand for all blood types at its central Illinois locations and surrounding areas. Jayce Eustice, communications manager with the nonprofit, said this month, blood and platelet donors are critically needed to support lifesaving transfusions this summer. “Donors of all blood types are in demand,…… MORE
McLean County lucky recipient of Lowe’s Hometowns grant program
By WMBD-TV MCLEAN COUNTY – Normal-based YouthBuild McLean County is one of 100 community projects receiving grant money from Lowe’s Hometowns. According to a YouthBuild news release, the grant money will go towards a new outdoor learning space including a sports court and gardening beds. YouthBuild helps kids aged 16-24 who have not graduated high…… 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…