By: Diane Benjamin The media can either perpetuate lies or report fairly. This will clearly show who is only interested in promoting the left and who actually cares about the truth. I have emails proving McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael responded to the Administration and Finance Committee when questions were raised about budget overages. I […]
By: Diane Benjamin One thing good about Krystle Able: She responds to FOIA requests on the same day I file them! It goes downhill for her from there. You wouldn’t know that if all you read was WGLT: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2026-04-15/normal-township-approves-ballot-question-on-pro-israel-state-law Follow-up to this story: https://blnnews.com/2026/04/15/what-really-happened-at-krystles-meeting/ Krystle claims putting the anti-Israel question on the Township Agenda was […]
By: Diane Benjamin https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2026-04-15/isu-takes-part-in-campaign-to-recruit-teachers-from-other-career-fields . In other words, if you are WHITE – don’t apply. Teaching skills, including the ability to connect with students, won’t be considered. DEI discrimination is alive and well in Illinois. The lie that students can’t learn from someone with a different skin color is evil. https://www.wglt.org/illinois/2026-04-14/house-speaker-backs-millionaires-tax-but-democrats-split-over-how-much-to-devote-to-property-tax-relief . The ruling party […]
By: Diane Benjamin Taxation without representation: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2026-02-13/cira-cruises-along-at-a-stable-altitude Springfield allowed CIRA to tax the County thanks to Sen Dave Koehler https://blnnews.com/2023/04/27/cira-doesnt-need-money-they-just-want-it/ Your property tax bills this year will reflect that. County property owners get yet another line item added to their bill. Bloomington-Normal gets a decrease. One of the dumbest parts of the WGLT article: “The Airport […]
By: Diane Benjamin WGLT is not allowed to sell advertising. What did The Town of Normal pay WGLT to do? (2025 data isn’t available yet) https://www.openthebooks.com/search-results/details/?n=Wglt-Normal&e=73583&t=c&burl=%2Fsearch-results%2F%3Ft%3Dc%26F_Name_S%3DWGLT%26F_State%3DIllinois%26F_Year%3D0 . Has WGLT applied for State of Illinois money? If you don’t know about the plan Springfield passed to subsidize media, read up on it: https://dceo.illinois.gov/expandrelocate/incentives/taxassistance/new-journalism-tax-incentive-program.html Yes, non-profit media […]
By: Diane Benjamin Two of the previous stories in case you forgot: Is There Fraud In Illinois Child Care Spending? You Are Paying Child Care Costs For Illegal Aliens The INCCRRA website has a data request form and a list of what information can be requested. See this link: https://www.inccrra.org/images/datareports/04-07-16_Data_Request_Form.pdf I requested data for McLean […]
By: Diane Benjamin Last Monday City Manager Jeff Jurgen announced there was plenty of parking downtown – Just hit Play: . Mayor Brady is quoted in this WGLT story stating the opposite: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2025-12-16/bloomington-considers-downtown-trolley-service-during-parking-crunch Brady wants a trolley service when big events are going on because parking near the places holding events is limited. Which is […]
By: Diane Benjamin This is the article that needs some work: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2025-10-30/new-report-cards-show-fewer-exemplary-b-n-schools-and-more-with-struggling-student-groups The “new report cards” are based on results from LAST SCHOOL YEAR. The article fails to mention that fact, reading it makes it sound like the information is current. Results from kids now in school won’t be known until the kids are tested […]
By: Diane Benjamin According to this story the Normal Council held a special meeting last night: https://www.wglt.org/politics-and-government/2025-10-30/completing-uptown-normal-underpass-to-require-tax-hikes?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook The project is unaffordable, so staff wants to raise taxes. Drivers stuck behind trains blocking the tracks can watch walkers and bikers go under the tracks. Keep in mind Normal could have had a FREE overpass years ago […]
By: Diane Benjamin WGLT story: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2025-10-08/normal-looks-to-create-new-uptown-tif-to-spur-development?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook 2024 Downtown Development TIF report: https://files.illinoiscomptroller.gov/LocGovTIF/FY2024/06409531/24TIF06409531Downtown_volpment_1.pdf PDF page 8 shows this TIF is underwater: ($47,720,848) Normal taxpayers are on the hook for expenses the TIF didn’t generate enough revenue to pay. Now Normal wants a new Uptown TIF and claims to have developers interested. The WGLT story did an […]
By: Diane Benjamin Parents of students in Unit 5 consider this comment by Board Chair Alex Williams hate speech: . Alex Williams thinks Trump voters and Fox News viewers are the dregs of society. He thinks Christians are hypocrites. He thinks all white people are racist. A person willing to post this comment publicly is […]
By: Diane Benjamin Charlie Schlenker, WGLT, wrote what was really close to a good story about Krystle Able: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2025-09-05/normal-township-supervisor-draws-two-paychecks Read the story if you haven’t yet, because this was Krystle’s response to it – posted on her Facebook page: . Since she tries hard to ignore my stories, I doubt that comment was directed at […]
By: Diane Benjamin If you missed yesterday’s story, read it now: https://blnnews.com/2025/08/05/bloomington-quit-celebrating-mlk-day/ Many of the leaders of this Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion event are associated with Illinois State University. That is important to remember while reading this story: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2025-08-05/isu-to-digest-u-s-attorney-generals-message-on-unlawful-dei ISU is figuring out how to comply with demands to end unlawful discrimination. The US Attorney […]
By: Diane Benjamin WGLT posted this NPR story: https://www.npr.org/2025/07/15/g-s1-77658/national-poll-shows-widespread-american-support-for-federally-funded-public-radio As the title states, a national poll showed widespread support for tax dollar funded public radio. Of course NPR says federally funded instead of tax dollar. You have to read to the bottom of the story to find out the survey was conducted on-line. The story […]
By: Diane Benjamin The McLean County Planning Commission starts with a flawed assumption: PDF page 7 This plan is designed to guide growth, ensure the efficient use of resources, and maintain a balance between urban and rural areas for the next 20 years. McLean County isn’t growing. Numerous websites show the same as below. Pretending […]
By: Diane Benjamin Remember the 1% Sales Tax approved by voters last March? Remember the investigation into election interference by the school districts? https://justthenews.com/nation/states/center-square/mclean-county-sheriff-investigating-alleged-election-interference The sheriffs office completed their investigation – the report has been sitting in the State’s Attorneys office for awhile now. Does Ericka Reynolds think people are going to forget about it? […]
By: Diane Benjamin Someday when I have time I’m going to look for my ISU graduation certificate so I can burn it. It has to do with stories like this: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2025-07-14/isu-scholar-expects-birthright-citizenship-will-be-upheld-after-confusion-and-harm?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook Missing from the story is the background of why the 14th Amendment was passed. It’s not easy to add an amendment, so why it […]
By: Diane Benjamin This story epitomizes why people flee Illinois and ignore local media: https://www.wglt.org/illinois/2025-07-07/housing-funding-cut-in-illinois-budget-as-homelessness-increases Title: Housing funding cut in Illinois budget as homelessness increases Illinois just passed the biggest budget ever – $55.1 billion. Excerpt: “Last year homelessness increased 116% in the state of Illinois,” Doug Kenshol, co-founder of the Illinois Shelter Alliance, told […]
I heard Rivian laid off salaried workers this week. The number I heard was high. Maybe Government Paid Media can ask for us. Why would anyone relocate here to work where their job isn’t guaranteed? Is Illinois going to cut their funding now? h/t a reader 140 jobs: https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/rivian-cuts-140-manufacturing-jobs-ahead-of-r2-suv-launch–techcrunch-93CH-4113423
By: Diane Benjamin 1) Pritzker must have figured out he will never be president. Instead he is running for a third term. Illinois should hold more No Kings events – against him. He thinks he is one. He and his party haven’t done enough damage yet. 2) WGLT joined a lawsuit to stop the defunding […]
By: Diane Benjamin Excerpt from a May 7, 2025 email: . WGLT hasn’t printed a story. It’s been 2 weeks since John Danenberger claimed he was going to talk to them. One of these is true: Maybe WGLT would do a story if they had this: . This document isn’t available by FOIA from the […]
By: Diane Benjamin https://freebeacon.com/latest-news/sex-change-procedures-for-minors-cause-irreversible-damage-for-very-weak-evidence-of-benefit-hhs-report/ Article title: Sex-Change Procedures for Minors Cause ‘Irreversible’ Damage for ‘Very Weak Evidence of Benefit’: HHS Report Excerpts: The Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday released a comprehensive review warning that sex-change surgeries and interventions for minors carry “significant risks” but have “very weak evidence of benefit.” “Our duty […]
By: Diane Benjamin 1) I attended the swearing-in ceremony yesterday. I estimate the BCPA auditorium was about two-thirds full. Alderman Sheila Montney wasn’t able to attend; I’m sure she will be sworn in soon. The right oath of office was used! A reception was held downstairs afterward. It was fun talking to lots of different […]
By: Diane Benjamin One day residents are told they have to opt out of electric aggregation 40% rate increases by May 7th. Now WGLT is reporting via the Ecology Action Center (EAC) residents should wait and maybe opt out later: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2025-04-29/ecology-action-centers-advice-wait-and-see-about-electric-rates Meanwhile Corn Belt Electric customers won’t have the huge increases – unless the State […]
By: Diane Benjamin https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2025-04-16/some-electric-bills-in-bloomington-normal-are-about-to-go-up Excerpt: The new rate starting in June will be close to 40% higher than what energy customers are currently paying — with rates rising from $.07 to nearly $.11 per kilowatt hour. MUCH higher electric bills follow Bloomington raising water rates May 1st by another THIRD for what they deemed “generational” […]
By: Diane Benjamin Lots of local media was in the Council Chambers for Monday night’s meeting. Not one member of the media requested copies of what Jackie Beyer showed at Public comment. City Code is law in Bloomington, allowing violations means more violations will occur in the future. https://blnnews.com/2025/04/15/too-chicken-mboka/ Did media cover any violations? WGLT […]
By: Diane Benjamin 1) The Vidette finally published a story late yesterday on Charlie Kirk’s ISU rally: https://www.videtteonline.com Charlie Kirk Creates a Stir at Illinois State University with Open Discussion The reporter included comments from students who attended as well as Kirk’s opening remarks. Also included was the proverbial “racists” label that gets thrown at […]
By: Diane Benjamin According to the Vidette website: https://www.videtteonline.com/ The “Student Voice” has written NOTHING about the massive gathering on their campus yesterday. These are the top 2 stories under NEWS: The Vidette has joined the ranks of FAKE NEWS. Congrats Maybe the staff doesn’t get out of bed until mid afternoon. Keep in mind […]
By: Diane Benjamin WGLT made the best case for defunding NPR with this headline: . Obviously WGLT wanted to leave their readers with the impression not many people attended. Even ISU security estimated 1000 people at noon. Citizens don’t need public paid journalists, especially when facts are immaterial to their reporting. More crowd pictures here: […]
Where you get news matters. Read the title: This pic from today was posted by Turning Point USA of the ISU rally, massive crowd! Sent to me by a reader, much bigger crowd than showed up for the Hands Off Protest: What conservative event wouldn’t have a clown shop up to protest: Demonic, of course. […]
By: Diane Benjamin https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2025-03-27/photos-faculty-demonstrate-on-isu-quad-ahead-of-possible-strike A strike is threatened by tenured and tenure-track facility at ISU. Do you know what ISU costs (before any financial aid)? The cost per year goes up from here – click on other majors: https://financialaid.illinoisstate.edu/paying/2024-2025-undergraduate/index.php Remember the lady with a Masters Degree in Communications who can’t afford rent? Does she have […]
By: Diane Benjamin Cody violated City Code. Did Abby Scott do it too? See: https://blnnews.com/2025/03/23/fly-on-the-wall-cody-hendricks/ Will the McLean County Chamber of Commerce withdraw their endorsement of Kearns? If elected officials and those who want to be elected violate laws, why should anyone else obey them? These people are leading the City down a dangerous road. […]
By: Diane Benjamin Anyone think schools are pushing too hard for the 1% Sales Tax increase? https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2025-03-05/retired-educator-barry-reilly-leads-campaign-to-support-sales-tax-for-mclean-county-schools Former District 87 superintendent Barry Reilly is heading a committee to convince you to agree to higher taxes. You need to know Reilly is collecting a HUGE MONTHLY pension: https://www.openthebooks.com/members/employer-detail/?Id=70989&tab=2&F_Name_P=Reilly&Year_P=0 He is collecting more than $205,000 a year […]
See #2. Sharon Chung thinks Illinois corruption is over. She’s funny: https://www.nprillinois.org/illinois/2025-02-13/central-illinois-lawmakers-react-to-former-house-speaker-madigans-guilty-verdict By: Diane Benjamin 1) Continuation of this story: https://blnnews.com/2025/02/13/unit-5-staff-only-meetings-1-sales-tax/ Video of the “staff only” meetings concerning the 1% Salters Tax increase will not exist. I received the response below to that part of a FOIA request: Diane, There are no public records responsive […]
By: Diane Benjamin Start by reading this story: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2025-01-17/bloomington-couple-acquitted-for-felony-theft-by-deception The Lacey’s mainly did infusions. Since I had no idea what that meant, I asked them yesterday. The infusions are customized for people like cancer patients where vitamins and minerals are needed to make them feel better. They don’t use any regulated drugs. They are both […]
By: Diane Benjamin Read this story: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2024-11-18/tri-valley-district-will-have-contested-school-board-races?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook Excerpt: Maybe this Ben: https://blnnews.com/2024/09/20/tri-valley-incident/ Numerous kids report they saw a gun. The way this incident was handled had 6 parents speak at the September Board meeting according to the minutes. Other parents present didn’t speak. Maybe transparency is a better option than Mouser’s “don’t tell your parents”? […]
By: Diane Benjamin In case you forgot, this development was opposed by area property owners because they feared it would devalue their property: https://blnnews.com/2022/07/31/north-normal-normal-and-barickman-want-to-devalue-your-property/ Normal resident Doug Fansler was concerned when the Town gave preferential treatment to a developer. See this WGLT story: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2024-10-08/normal-council-amends-annexation-agreement-for-carden-springs-townhouse-project Carden Springs is being developed by Fairlawn Capital from Champaign. What […]
By: Diane Benjamin I was at the Casey’s in Normal yesterday that was looted. A copy of the Pantagraph was laying on the counter, I asked an out of town friend who grew up here if she had heard about it. The clerk behind the counter started telling us about what happened. He was obviously […]
By: Diane Benjamin I only got involved because the director of Recycling Furniture for Families contacted me since funding was cut off without a good explanation. Everyone was blaming PATH for failure to file grant applications. This resulted in loss of funding for numerous organizations and jobs at PATH when funding for hotline employees was […]
