Category Archives: Local News

Lockdowns at Bloomington High and Junior High lifted after false report; one in custody

Lockdowns at Bloomington High and Junior High lifted after false report; one in custody

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – Lockdowns at Bloomington High School and Junior High School have ended and one person has been taken into custody, district officials said. “With the help of the Bloomington Police Department, we swiftly addressed the situation and can confirm the lockdown has now been lifted. A subject was apprehended and no weapons…MORE

St. Jude Game Feed fundraiser returns to Sit N Bull in Hudson this weekend

St. Jude Game Feed fundraiser returns to Sit N Bull in Hudson this weekend

By Jake Fogal HUDSON – The eighth annual St. Jude Game Feed comes to Hudson on Saturday to help raise money for a good cause. You can enjoy all you can eat and drink for $25! Menu features smoked pulled pork and sides courtesy of Annie’s Eats. Plus there will be an auction, 50/50 drawing…MORE

Coaching milestone not the only accomplishment U-High baseball is chasing in 2024

Coaching milestone not the only accomplishment U-High baseball is chasing in 2024

By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Coach Steve Paxson will always remember the 2024 season for reaching a hallowed milestone, his 500th career win. Paxson said, “It’s been a good thing because I’ve been able to connect with a lot of guys I’ve coached over the years and that’s been really fun. But I’m sure excited to…MORE

Ben Folds coming to the BCPA

Ben Folds coming to the BCPA

Emmy-nominated, multi-platinum selling music artist Ben Folds announced the return of his popular “Paper Airplane Request Tour,” performing solo shows across the U.S., which includes a stop in Bloomington.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…