Bloomington-Normal women are making a difference in a variety of ways. Women in local government and politics are the voices and leaders of the Normal, Bloomington and McLean County communities. But what is it truly like for these women? Being a woman can completely change the nature of politics and local government. However, City Manager Pamela Reece believes Normal is much farther ahead than many other communities. “Each time a strong woman in leadership […]
Photo Courtesy to Bloomington Facebook page BLOOMINGTON, Ill.- The Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) District 10 in Southern Illinois and A.A. groups are dealing with the present Coronavirus situation. The A.A. District 10's General Service Office is providing guidance on health issues, but the office is not an authoritative body over A.A. groups, nor does it initiate rules. Each A.A. group and entity is autonomous and decisions are made through its group […]
Photo courtesy to Roxy's Hair Studio Facebook page BLOOMINGTON, Ill.- Local businesses are taking a hit due to the Coronavirus outbreak and the new Stay-At-Home order issued. However one local hair salon is using the community to stay positive during these trying times. In a little neighborhood near Illinois Wesleyan University and Illinois State University is Roxy's Hair Studio, which provides professional hair care services. The salon is closed until […]
Photo Courtesy of Bone Student Center Facebook Page NORMAL, Ill.- In midst of the Illinois primary, McLean County clerk says voting is "light". McLean County Clerk, Kathy Michael reports the number of voters is low in the county due to COVID-19 fears. "It seems low as we usually get a good turnout before folks go to work, and it was very slow in comparison," said Michael. As of 1:30 p.m., […]
Photo courtesy to Stefanie Smith Facebook page NORMAL, Ill.- Running for the U.S. Congress in the Illinois District 13 is Stefanie Smith. With the results hours away Smith shared that she is not excited about this election, in fact she's disappointed. "Not postponing the primary is an egregious violation of public health and trust," said Smith. "We should be taking social distancing and isolation seriously, for our own safety and […]
Photo courtesy to Black Lives Matter Facebook page NORMAL, Ill.- The Bloomington-Normal chapter of Black Lives Matter believes that cash bail is all about access to money and not about keeping the community safe. A new coalition of law enforcement organizations formed Mar. 2 to oppose the efforts in the General Assembly to end cash bail. Throughout this year's legislative session, the Coalition for Public Safety will speak on the […]
BLOOMINGTON, Ill.- Be Strong Gym in Bloomington hosted the WUAP Winter Open Sunday. The power lifting competition had 40 competitors, 15 of which were lifters from Be Strong. Owner, Drew Whitted started this gym nine years ago and just recently moved locations to a bigger lot due to the growth of the company. Whitted has been in this industry for 22 years and has always loved helping people out. "It's […]
NORMAL, Ill. - A 21-year-old Bloomington man charged with sexual assault of a minor appeared in court Friday, Feb. 21 for an arraignment hearing. Brandon L. Umstattd was charged with predatory criminal sexual assault with a victim under 13 and aggravated sexual abuse. Umstattd was arrested in earlier this February following a long-term investigation by the Bloomington Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division. However, in People v. Umstattd, the defendant plead […]
Photo courtesy to ISU NORMAL, Ill.- Illinois State University is recognizing Black History month through lived experiences and real people. The Atlanta Child Murders was a series of killings that took place in Atlanta between 1979 and 1981. Up to 28 children were murdered, and Wayne Williams was convicted in 1981. The killings seemed to have stopped immediately following Williams’ arrest and conviction. However, there is some doubt that Williams […]
