Category Archives: Local News

Latest crop report shows above average rainfall over past week

Latest crop report shows above average rainfall over past week

By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending July 21, 2024. Statewide, the average temperature was 72.3 degrees, 4.5 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.76 inches, 0.83 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 3 percent very short, 13 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 6 percent…MORE

Bloomington Council approves Rivian expansion

Bloomington Council approves Rivian expansion

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – Rivian got the go-ahead by the Bloomington City Council for two new buildings on Monday. The Enterprise Zone, where Rivian is located, got approved for expansion unanimously as part of the council’s consent agenda. According to the council itinerary, Rivian plans to expand their manufacturing facility with two 1,200,00 square foot…MORE

Bloomington Library celebrating renovation, expansion project at ribbon-cutting in August

Bloomington Library celebrating renovation, expansion project at ribbon-cutting in August

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington Public Library announced Friday that it’s ready to reveal the highly anticipated 25-month finalization of its newly expanded and renovated facility worth millions. According to a press release from the library Friday morning, after 25 months of construction, there will be a ribbon-cutting and celebration on Aug. 1. The ceremony…MORE

Hazardous waste collection coming to Central Illinois in September

Hazardous waste collection coming to Central Illinois in September

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – If you have hazardous waste, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is making it easier for you to get rid of it. The Illinois EPA is hosting numerous hazardous waste collections in partnership with local governments this fall. On Sept. 28, you can get rid of your waste at McLean County Fairgrounds…MORE

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

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.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

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…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

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…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

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…