Category Archives: Police and Fire

2 dead from Bloomington apartment shooting

2 dead from Bloomington apartment shooting

By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Two people are dead, including a child, after a shooting Tuesday night in Bloomington. Police were called around 7:45 p.m. to the 1000 block of Four Seasons Road. The McLean County Coroner pronounced a six-year old child dead at the scene. Authorities say a 35-year old man suffered injuries consistent…MORE

Apartment in Normal heavily damaged by fire

Apartment in Normal heavily damaged by fire

By Neil Doyle NORMAL – An apartment at the Lincoln Square apartment complex was heavily damaged by fire Sunday night. Fire crews were called around 9:15 p.m. to the 1700 block of North School Street. Neighbors reported visible fire and smoke and that occupants were evacuating from the building. Firefighters had the main body of…MORE

ISP: Protecting peaceful protest and public safety as convoys head into Illinois

ISP: Protecting peaceful protest and public safety as convoys head into Illinois

By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – State Police are ready to protect the public and the right to peaceful protest as several convoys are set to roll through Illinois. Some of the convoys are well organized and in touch with the state police, while others are more grass roots efforts says ISP Sgt. Joey Watson. “Our…MORE

McLean County mother may see new charge in case of still-missing infant

McLean County mother may see new charge in case of still-missing infant

By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington woman may soon face a new charge of concealing a death as an infant is still missing. The McLean County Jail and Bloomington Police say that charge was added Wednesday against Kimberlee Burton, 29. A formal criminal charge is pending review by the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office.…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…