By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.6 days suitable for field work during the week ending November 14, 2021. Statewide, the average temperature was 46.3 degrees, 3.9 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.45 inches, 0.32 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 5 percent short, 84 percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture…… MORE
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council Monday night held the first of what’s likely to be many public discussions about what to do with almost $13.4 million from the American Rescue Plan to ease the community’s economic rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. Speeding up long-awaited infrastructure improvements, including sewer upgrades following last…… MORE
By HOI ABC NORMAL – Rivian’s expansion is moving along in Normal after a unanimous town council vote in support Monday night. The electric truck and SUV maker wants to add another 623,000 square feet making that facility roughly 3.7 million square feet in total, adding more trees, lights and signs directing people to the…… MORE
The McLean County Health Department report 184 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday.… MORE
The leader of multiple school districts across central Illinois is ‘optimistic about Gov. Pritzker’s mask mandate for children in the classroom.… MORE
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Gas prices across Illinois have fallen slightly over the week, averaging $3.49 a gallon on Monday. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Illinois is priced at $3.13 while the most expensive is $3.99. Gas prices in Illinois are six cents higher than a month ago and over…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Republicans running in the 2022 election have to face this question: how loyal are you to former President Donald Trump? “The answer, I think, comes in two stages,” says University of Illinois political science president Brian Gaines. “Will it be a primary problem or a general election problem. I think…… MORE
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – One person was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after a Saturday night shooting in Bloomington. Bloomington Police tell Heart of Illinois ABC that it happened around 10 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of Veterans Parkway and Hamilton Road. They say one person was struck with gunfire, and they were transported to a local hospital…… MORE
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Plenty of collectibles and craft vendors will be at the Interstate Center in Bloomington this weekend for the 3rd Sunday Market. The market is putting on its holiday show this weekend. Mike Raycraft runs the operation and he spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller. “About 150 vendors from 10 different states…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Anybody who is making a list and checking it twice may want to consult the 2021 Trouble in Toyland report. “Recalled products still for sale, dangerous products like high-powered magnet sets being marketed to families,” said Nancy Cowles, executive director of Kids in Danger, said at an announcement Thursday, “and…… 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…