Malachi McCool

Global ‘Hands Off’ protests draw millions, including over 1,000 in Bloomington

The Inkspot captured scenes from the April 5 protest outside the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts [photo gallery]

Malachi McCool, Staff Reporter
Apr 23, 2025

Millions of people rallied across all 50 states, U.S. territories and more than a dozen cities worldwide, on April 5 as part of the “Hands Off” movement—a coordinated pushback against what organizers describe as a growing threat to democracy, fueled by the influence of President Donald Trump and...

Signed. Sealed. Dismantled.

When executive orders replace laws, democracy becomes disorder

Malachi McCool, Staff Reporter
Apr 7, 2025

First they came for the Center for Disease Control, and I did not speak out—because I was healthy. Then they came for the migrants and refugees, and I did not speak out—because I was a legal citizen. Then they came for paper straws, and I did not speak out—because I was not a turtle. Then...

Our two cents: Should we get rid of the penny?

Malachi McCool, Leonor Rivas and Kirsten Santana
Feb 21, 2025

Apple Pay. Venmo. Cash App. PayPal. Make no mistake—cash is fading into the background, the dollar replaced by digital transactions. Your next Big Mac, the latest Grand Theft Auto release, your prom dress—just a tap away. So, as we move further into a cashless economy, one question lingers: do...

Boys track & field team prepped to build on last season’s State successes

2024 season preview

Ali Ince, Malachi McCool and Abigail Ziemer
Mar 6, 2024

The boys track & field team placed 10th at last season’s 3A IHSA State meet, Community’s best finish since 2010’s three-way tie for eighth place, without scoring a single point on the track. And while the Iron sent two relays and six individuals to compete at Eastern Illinois University,...

The Up-Beat – Ep. 4 – Incense, school records, Speedos and ophthalmology

Pranathi Ganti, Malachi McCool, Zachary Knox-Doyle and Brody Roberts
Mar 6, 2024

Welcome to "The Up-Beat," where each week a group of Inkspot reporters take a break from breaking news to share what's been making them smile this week. Pranathi Ganti, Malachi McCool, Zachary Knox-Doyle and Brody Roberts share what is making them happy this week.

Chamber choir to be featured on Channel 25 WEEK’s ‘Sounds of the Season’

Chamber choir performance to be featured on NBC, ABC broadcasts Dec. 24, 25

Malachi McCool, Staff Reporter
Dec 15, 2023

A special chamber choir performance will be broadcast as part of Channel 25 WEEK’s “Sounds of the Season” holiday segment on Dec. 24 and 25. Community, one of several area high schools invited to appear on the special, recorded their performance in Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria on...

Girls swim sends four to IHSA State Championships after second place Sectional finish

Malinowski to compete in maximum four events for second straight year

Bryce Hickman, Carter Hull and Malachi McCool
Nov 10, 2023

Four members of the girls swimming and diving team compete at this weekend’s IHSA State competition in Westmont, following a second-place finish at Sectionals. After back-to-back Sectional Championships, the Iron finished 33 points behind Washington High School this season. Five first-place finishes...

Local author pens LGBTQ+ teen novel: ‘Singlets and Secrets’

Before Joe Chianakas’ book signing at Bobzbay Oct. 28, the Peoria native discussed his most recent work with the Inkspot

Malachi McCool, Staff Reporter
Nov 1, 2023

When Joe Chianakas, a Peoria native, set out to write “Singlets and Secrets, his newest work of fiction, he wanted to give teens struggling with their sexuality a “superhero” of sorts. When the author was growing up in the ’80s in Central Illinois, there was “the Karate Kid,” “Rocky”...

Sole searching: Exploring the Crocs craze

The Inkspot investigates the footwear frenzy

Inkspot Staff
Oct 27, 2023

Boys cross country takes first at Normal Community open, girls place 6th

Terrion Darnell, Aki Griffin, Bryce Hickman, Carter Hull, Ben Kerber, Bailey Kozlen, Malachi Mccool, Kevon Ramsey, Leonor Rivas, Brody Roberts and Anysia Russell
Sep 7, 2023

Boys cross country takes top honors at season opener The boys cross country team took first in the Normal Community Co-Ed Open Sept. 1 at Maxwell Park, edging out Elmwood Brimfield 39-48. Two Ironmen posted top-five finishes, with Joey Yaros taking second and Jack Thomas finishing fourth out of...