All articles authored by Zachary J. Gittrich, unless otherwise noted.
Woman Accuses Normal Police of False Arrest & Excessive Force
03/18/2023 | Taylor Brown has filed a federal lawsuit against the Normal Police Department alleging she was falsely arrested, illegally had her phone seized from her, and was battered by Normal Police Officers. Brown was arrested for Aggravated Battery of Officers and Resisting officers. However, she was later released from jail without bond and was never charged with any crime. (VIEW FULL ARTICLE)
McLean County Sheriff on Assault Weapons Ban
03/06/2023 | Newly-elected McLean County Sheriff Matt Lane says he will not enforce the Protect Illinois Communities Act, HB 5471, which bans the purchase of so-called “assault” weapons, among other things. (VIEW FULL ARTICLE)
Bloomington Police Grant: Where’s The Money Going?
01/15/2023 | The City of Bloomington has received a $500,000 Violence Reduction grant. The Bloomington Police Department plans to spend the $500,000 in the following ways… (VIEW FULL ARTICLE)
DIVISION in McLean County: Krystle Able vs. the Police
08/26/2022 | In an unprecedented move, McLean County Republican board members voted against the appointment of Krystle Able to the board representing District 4. (VIEW FULL ARTICLE)
The Cash Bail System is Cruel and Bad for Society
07/21/2022 | Even though its abolition is impending, the cash bail system is still wrecking havoc on our communities. (VIEW FULL ARTICLE)
The Case Against At-Large Elections
07/15/2022 | The District model would divide the town into districts with roughly equal populations that would vote for their own representatives on the council. (VIEW FULL ARTICLE)
Did You Know? Possible Normal Election Change
07/15/2022 | While I have a great deal to say about the proposal (spoiler alert: I support it), I’m certainly not surprised that most people haven’t heard about the election measure. (VIEW FULL ARTICLE)
Don Knapp Unqualified to Be A Judge
06/07/2022 | McLean County State’s Attorney Should Not Be a Judge. McLean County State’s Attorney Donald Knapp is running in the Republican Primary to be a judge in the 11th Judicial District. As State’s Attorney, Knapp has been an avid incarcerationist. (VIEW FULL ARTICLE)
McLean County Incarcerated Stories
05/27/2022 | The County Board spent over $43 million to upgrade the jail, under the guise of increasing mental health. However, mental health does not seem to be a priority at the jail. (VIEW FULL ARTICLE)
The SHOCKING Arrest of a District 87 School Board Member
05/25/2022 | Samedy stood in his neighbor’s yard with a cowboy hats and boots on. His pants had a noticeable urine stain on the crotch area, and his eyes were glazed like Krispy Kreme donuts. (VIEW FULL ARTICLE)
