By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.7 days suitable for field work during the week ending November 7, 2021. Statewide, the average temperature was 41.3 degrees, 5.5 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.01 inches, 0.79 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 4 percent short, 87 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture…… MORE
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – A 16-year old Bloomington High School student accused of bringing a loaded gun to school last week faces the possibility of being tried as an adult on weapons charges. McLean County State’s Attorney Don Knapp said Monday he anticipates petitioning a judge to move the case to adult court. A…… MORE
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Public Library has the backing of the city council for a tax increase to pay for most of a $22.8 million library expansion, while the council also finalized a three-year contract with unionized police officers. Aldermen voted 7-2 with members Nick Becker and Sheila Montney voting no, even…… MORE
According to a recent study, a new antiviral COVID-19 pill could slash hospitalizations and COVID-related deaths in half.… MORE
The Tazewell County Coroner’s Office has identified a person involved in a motorcycle crash over the weekend.… MORE
By Blake Haas BLOOMINGTON – A Peoria heights man is behind bars in McLean County after local police say he allegedly attempted to rob a local restaurant. On Sunday evening, Bloomington police responded to a restaurant in the 1800 block of S. Veterans Parkway to a report of an armed subject around 8:45 p.m. Police…… MORE
By RFD Radio NORMAL – It’s been quite the run for the Normal West FFA Livestock Judging Team. They’ve gone back-to-back years winning the prestigious American Royal in Kansas City. Lauren Mohr is a team member. “A lot of us have grown up around livestock and high quality livestock so we kind of get that…… MORE
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Illinois gas prices have risen almost six cents in the past week, averaging $3.55 a gallon on Monday. According to GasBuddy, prices in Illinois are nine cents higher than a month ago and a $1.36 more expensive compared to a year ago. GasBuddy price reports show the cheapest station in…… MORE
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – Unionized Bloomington Police officers would receive 2.5% annual pay increases under terms of a proposed three-year contract that also gives bilingual officers annual bonuses. The city council will vote Monday night on a tentative deal costing Bloomington taxpayers almost $1.4 million dollars during the three years. “This ratification will match…… MORE
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – Decades in the making, the Bloomington City Council is about to make a decision whether to proceed with funding a $22.8 million addition to the public library. The cost is $2 million less if leaders scrap plans for a new parking deck. “After over 20 years of discussions and we…… 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…