By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Police are releasing new information about a vehicle that was possibly used during an armed robbery and shooting last week on Bloomington’s southeast side. Officers were called on Wednesday, May 25 around 2:38 p.m. for a hold up at a pawn shop in the 2000 block of Ireland Grove Road.…… MORE
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.6 days suitable for field work during the week ending May 22, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 66.1 degrees, 1.0 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.40 inches, 0.51 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 7 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 23 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture…… MORE
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council has signed off on a deal offering tax breaks for a former alderman who wants to expand his downtown business and create space for two other retailers. The council voted unanimously Monday night for an agreement in which local tax incentives would fund approximately 17% of…… MORE
A Normal woman remains behind bars in McLean County after a domestic dispute last week.… MORE
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Average gasoline prices in Illinois have risen almost 15.3 cents in the last week, averaging $4.98 a gallon According to GasBuddy’s survey of over 43-hundred stations in Illinois, prices in the state are 55.7 cents higher than a month ago. “Gasoline prices surged over the last week to new record…… MORE
By Neil Doyle and HOI ABC NORMAL – The ‘American Idol’ journey for Normal native Leah Marlene has come to a close, as she finished in third place on season 20 of the show. The first round of performances consisted of songs from the songbook of Bruce Springsteen. Leah was the first performer, singing her…… MORE
Normal Police say numerous electronics and luggage were stolen from the Normal Walmart totaling a little over $23,000 from what appears to be an organized group with knowledge of Walmart practices.… MORE
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts department will close O’Neil Park’s Skate Park as construction on the new pool project begins. Starting on Monday, the current skate park will be closed to allow for the removal of the skate ramps. The new and improved skate park is…… MORE
Former Bloomington Alderman Jamie Mathy announced Thursday that with the help of some tax breaks, he plans to double the size of his downtown business by moving into a vacant building he purchased next door, while also creating space for two more retail businesses.… MORE
Republicans have lost control of the McLean County Board after a GOP member announced he’s now a ‘proud Democrat.’… MORE
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.” …
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…
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…
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…