An Illinois Department of Corrections employee who spent time working at the Pontiac prison died unexpectedly last week in a car accident.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
ISU’s Office of Sustainability collecting solar glasses
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Now that the solar eclipse is over you may wonder what to do with your protective glasses. The Office of Sustainability at Illinois State University is your answer. The office is working with Astronomers Without Borders as a collection hub. “We’ve had a bunch of people reaching out asking if they can mails us their…… MORE
Victory Church opening new school
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – In addition to rebuilding after a devastating fire two years ago, Victory Church is preparing to open a school. On Thursday the church held a parent information meeting about its school Foundation Christian Academy. The school is a ministry of the church. “Our new building literally is standing on the previous foundation,” said Jarrod Herald,…… MORE
Roads around Uptown Circle closing for Festival of Colors Saturday
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Uptown Circle and all its entrances and exits will be closed at 11 a.m. for a festival on Saturday. According to a Town of Normal news release, the closure is for “A Festival of Colors: Holi Moli!,” which will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The festival is being…… MORE
Person rescued from grain bin in rural Livingston County
One person was rescued from grain bin in rural Livingston County Thursday afternoon.… MORE
IWU President-elect: Returning to Central Illinois ‘a full circle moment’
For Illinois Wesleyan University’s President-elect, returning to Central Illinois is a full-circle moment. … MORE
Normal Public Library settling into temporary location
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – It’s national library week and Normal Public Library wants visitors to know they’re still open as they go through changes. Last week, the library temporarily moved across the street into the old Busey Bank for renovations and asbestos removal. The library will continue hosting their book club and learning circle events…… MORE
Illinois Manufacturers’ Association announces winner of ‘Makers Madness’ contest
The Komatsu mining truck, made in Peoria, has been declared this year’s “Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.”… MORE
Illinois Wesleyan University names Dr. Sheahon Zenger 21st President
After a national search, Illinois Wesleyan University’s Board of Trustees named the university’s 21st President.… MORE
Central Illinois lawmaker will vote ‘no’ on a farm bill unless lawmakers include nutrition programs
The clock is ticking for lawmakers in the nation’s capitol to find common ground on a new farm bill before the November presidential election.… 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…