Heartland Community College’s spring commencement ceremony is at Grossinger Motor’s Arena on May 17.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
McLean County offering a mental health first aid course
By WMBD-TV MCLEAN COUNTY – May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the McLean County Health Department is offering a mental health first aid course. The class aims to teach everyday people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use. “With mental health first aid, you’re given the tools,…… MORE
Kyle Petty charity ride will make a stop Tuesday in LeRoy
The 28th annual Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America will be making a stop in McLean County Tuesday morning.… MORE
ISU protesters arrested for trespassing in Hovey Hall
Illinois State University has identified the seven people arrested in Hovey Hall on Friday.… MORE
PATH Crisis to remain open despite losing $9M contract
A Bloomington-based nonprofit remains open despite missing millions of dollars in federal funding. … MORE
National Guard convoy vehicle involved in crash on Interstate 55
By WMBD-TV MCLEAN COUNTY – A vehicle from an Illinois Army National Guard convoy overturned on Interstate 55 on Thursday, resulting in minor injuries to the occupants. Just before 12:30 p.m., troopers with the Illinois State Police responded to the crash, which was near mile marker 192 in northern McLean County. A vehicle was headed…… MORE
Desmond Sterling sentenced to 75 years in prison for deadly 2023 shooting
Desmond Sterling was sentenced to 75 years in prison on Thursday.… MORE
Rivian Automotive receives a $1.5B investment from the State of Illinois for Normal plant
Rivian Automotive received a significant investment from the state of Illinois to bolster its Normal manufacturing facility. … MORE
Central Illinois Congressman LaHood addresses campus protests
Hundreds of protesters across the country continue to use college campuses to voice their opinions about supporting the war in Gaza. … MORE
Bloomington Fire Dept. wants community input
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Fire Department announced the launch of a new Community Engagement Survey on Wednesday. According to a City of Bloomington news release, the fire department wants to more proactive with community needs. Fire Chief Cory Matheny said, “At the Bloomington Fire Department, we believe in putting the community first. This…… 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…