By WMBD-TV SPRINGFIELD – May has officially been declared Motorcycle Awareness Month in Illinois, urging all Illinoisans to “start seeing motorcycles” on the state’s roads. According to a news release, the Start Seeing Motorcycles campaign was rolled out as warmer weather brings motorcyclists back onto the roads. It is a joint effort between the governor’s office, the Illinois…… MORE
Former Illinois governor weighs in on Com Ed Four convictions
The old reformer himself, former Gov. Pat Quinn, returned to the Capitol Tuesday to again talk about ethics in politics and government – in light of the convictions of the Com Ed Four.… MORE
Rivian releases Q1 earnings
Rivian had a better-than-expected Q1 as it released its shareholder newsletter on Tuesday.… MORE
Miller Park Zoo announces death of De Brazza monkey
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – The Miller Park Zoo on Tuesday announced the unexpected loss of Chumu, a male De Brazza monkey. According to a Miller Park Zoo press release, Chumu had been under observation and treatment for medical issues for several weeks. While he was receiving a full physical exam, the veterinary team noticed Chumu…… MORE
Illinois’ planting season continues it’s strong start
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 6 days suitable for field work during the week ending May 7, 2023. Statewide, the average temperature was 57.2 degrees, 0.8 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.42 inches, 0.56 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 5 percent very short, 21 percent short, 51 percent adequate, and 23…… MORE
Firefighters are getting support from Illinois Lawmakers
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The shortage of volunteer firefighters – according to state lawmakers and fire officials – is a crisis. At a statehouse news conference Monday, the group said 85 percent of Illinois is covered by volunteer crews, whose numbers can be sparse. “Cahokia Heights had a fire a few months ago,” said…… MORE
Bloomington honors water professionals amid celebration of Drinking Water Week
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington has kicked off Drinking Water Week as a way to recognize the vital role water plays in everyday life for both water professionals and the communities they serve. This year’s event began Sunday, May 7, and will last until May 13. It’s sponsored by the American Water Works Association.Bloomington makes changes to…… MORE
Miller Park Zoo looking for a sanctuary for ‘King Julian’
BY WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – The lemur found in a Bloomington garage this past January has been taken care of at Miller Park Zoo the past few months, but they are looking for a sanctuary to send him to next. Zoo Director Jay Pratte said that the zoo is looking into finding a sanctuary for the…… MORE
Gas prices in Illinois tumble a few cents over past week
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Gas prices continue to drop across the state as the latest gas report shows prices at the pump are down nearly 10 cents in the last week, averaging $3.93. According to GasBuddy, prices in Illinois are 2 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 68 cents a…… MORE
Pontiac woman sustains multiple gunshot wounds in shooting late Friday night
By Jake Fogal PONTIAC – Police officers in Pontiac were dispatched late Friday night on a call referencing that an individual had been shot. Officers arrived to the 400 block of West Cleary Street where a 36 year old woman had suffered multiple gun shot wounds. The woman told Pontiac Police that an unidentified male…… 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…