(USDA) – There were 4.7 days suitable for field work during the week ending October 24, 2021. Statewide, the average temperature was 54.1 degrees, 1.8 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.70 inches, 0.02 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 2 percent very short, 8 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 25 percent surplus.…… MORE
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – A small fire broke out Tuesday night at the Rivian plant in northwest Normal. The Normal Fire Department said there was minimal damage and no injuries were reported. The plant was evacuated for a short time while firefighters put out the fire. Fire crews were called around 5 p.m. after…… MORE
Over 400 people marched in the streets of Peru, Illinois, on Tuesday to seek justice for Illinois State University graduate student Jelani Day.… MORE
October is national cybersecurity month, and a local Information technologist (IT) is providing tips to avoid scams that could cost millions.… MORE
A 17-year-old man is being tried as an adult and faces murder charges — along with the other two adults previously named after a woman was killed and a man wounded in a shooting Friday night in Mackinaw.… MORE
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – It took the mayor to break a tie and confirm the appointment of Bloomington business owner De Urban to fill the Ward 6 seat formerly held by Jenn Carrillo. The vote came after the city council heard from Carrillo herself and seven city residents opposing Urban’s appointment. They claimed Urban…… MORE
Tailgate N’ Tallboys is announcing two more headline artists for their festival next year at the Interstate Center.… MORE
The scenario surrounding Illinois State University graduate student Jelani Day remains a mystery; however, the LaSalle Coroner released autopsy results for Day on Monday.… MORE
Sheriff Jeff Lower said another person has been arrested in a Friday night shooting at a home in rural Mackinaw that left one woman dead and a man in critical condition.… MORE
By Blake Haas BLOOMINGTON – Two more McLean County residents have died from COVID-19 since Friday. The McLean County Health Department reports the latest deaths are one male in his 50’s, who was not associated with a long-term care facility, and one male in his 70’s who was associated with a long-term care facility. In…… 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…