By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.2 days suitable for field work during the week ending November 6, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 57.9 degrees, 9.8 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.13 inches, 0.18 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 10 percent very short, 12 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 2…… MORE
Polls are open across the state for Election Day
By WJBC Staff and IIS Radio BLOOMINGTON – The polls are open for the midterm elections as Illinoisans will be voting for statewide offices, members of the General Assembly and members of Congress. The polls are open until 7 p.m. and you can find your polling place by going to elections.il.gov. City of Bloomington residents…… MORE
No injuries after generator issue causes fire at State Farm Corporate South
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – No one was injured after a generator issue caused a fire at a building on State Farm’s Corporate South campus. State Farm spokesperson Gina Morss-Fischer says a maintenance team performing an equipment check alerted authorities about a small fire. Bloomington Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Hartwig says the call came…… MORE
Bloomington dog shelter awarded $5,000 in Freshpet program
The dog food company Freshpet set out nationally to find 16 no-kill shelters that worked hard to save and protect pets. It’s called the Freshpet Fresh Start program. … MORE
Prices at the pump expected to ease in coming weeks
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Average gasoline prices in Illinois have risen over 18 cents in the last week, averaging $4.29 a gallon. “Just over half of the nation’s 50 states saw gasoline prices rise last week, pulling the national average back up for the time being due to big jumps in the Great Lakes…… MORE
Connect Transit offering free rides to the ballot box on election day
Election day is less than a day away, and a twin-city transportation company is offering free rides to the ballot box.… MORE
State Trooper reminding PTSD support is available for other officers
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – It’s a phrase popularized by Mister Rogers: “Look for the helpers.” But who helps the helpers? The first responders see someone on their worst day, and sometimes on their last day. That’s not for everyone, but Illinois State Police Trooper Elizabeth Clausing says help’s available for her colleagues; she is…… MORE
Scott vs. Scott Challenge Benefitting The Salvation Army
Who is your favorite Scott? Now is your time to let us know while supporting The Salvation Army of Bloomington-Normal!… MORE
Ironmen falter late, Pekin snatches 32-31 playoff win over Normal Community
By Jake Fogal NORMAL – The 2nd round of the IHSA football playoff’s delivered a classic between two Central Illinois teams that came down to the wire. As cheers roared from the stands at Dick Tharp field, Ironmen fans were on their feet anticipating a victory, before things took a drastic turn late in the…… MORE
Cyber era just beginning says National Guard Major General
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The digital world is a primitive one, according to the general who runs the Illinois National Guard. “We’re in the biplane era of cyber,” said Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the state’s adjutant general. “We’re in the early years. Funding, policy, infrastructure that we need in the National Guard is all…… 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…