Thanks to humid conditions and severe storms, the Bloomington Fire Department has responded to over 200 calls over the past four days.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Normal Town Council approves modifying an enterprise zone to support Rivian’s expansion
By WMBD NORMAL – Normal Town Council unanimously approved extending the boundary of an enterprise zone in Bloomington-Normal to support Rivian’s future expansion. An Enterprise Zone provides economic incentives to commercial companies undertaking new investments, including facility expansion. This would extend the boundaries to cover 320 acres located at Rivian Motorway, across from Rivian. It…… MORE
Cody Hendricks announces 2025 run for Bloomington mayor
Bloomington City Council member Cody Hendricks announced Tuesday morning that he is running for mayor in 2025.… MORE
USDA crop report enjoying favorable conditions midway through summer
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.0 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending July 14, 2024. Statewide, the average temperature was 75.5 degrees, 0.9 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.93 inches, 1.13 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 2 percent very short, 15 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 4 percent…… MORE
Guilty verdict returned for deadly 2019 New Year’s Eve shooting in Normal
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
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
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…