Several streets will be closed early Saturday around Uptown Normal for Rivian’s community event to show off some of its new vehicles.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
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
Miller Park Zoo carousel under repair this summer
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The iconic Miller Park Zoo carousel is getting a facelift this summer. After years of wear and tear, the Zoo is sending the carousel out of state to be restored, meaning the amusement ride will be out of commission for the summer. The restoration process will take up to 6…… MORE
Illinois State University and Heartland Community College hosting watch parties for total solar eclipse Monday
By Jake Fogal NORMAL – Many will have their eyes on the sky Monday to witness a total solar eclipse crossing over North America. Several watch parties are planned around the Twin-Cities, including events being held at Illinois State Universities quad and Heartland Community College’s Challenger Learning Center. A total solar eclipse happens when the…… MORE
USDA releases 2024 planting forecast for Illinois
Corn growers intend to plant 10.9 million acres in 2024, down 3 percent from 2023. … MORE
Minnesota man sentenced to 80 years for 2021 Bloomington fatal shooting
A Minnesota man will spend 80 years in prison for shooting and killing a Bloomington man in 2021.… MORE
Rivian plans to show off new electric vehicles in Normal this weekend
Central Illinois residents can get a first look at the future of Rivian Automotive this weekend in Uptown Normal.… MORE
Rivian says first-quarter production figures on track to meet goals
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Rivian announced it’s on track to meet its 2024 production goals on Tuesday. According to Rivian, it produced 13,980 vehicles at its manufacturing facility in Normal in the first quarter. This is in line with Rivian’s goal to produce 57,000 vehicles annually. The Normal facility also delivered 13,588 during the first…… MORE
Pizza Payaa owner has top ten win in international pizza contest
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – A local pizza maker raked high in the International Pizza Expo 2024 competition on March 20 in Las Vegas. According to a news release from Pizza Payaa, its owner, Adam Elpayaa, competed against 500 other pizza makers around the world and ranked 9th for Detroit-style pizza and 14th overall for pan pizza. The pizza he made was…… MORE
Outgoing city manager reflects on time in Bloomington
Bloomington City Manager Tim Gleason has made it official and will be leaving his post to become the next city manger in Decatur.… 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…