By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Last year was warmer and wetter than normal in Illinois. 2021 ended up as the 10th warmest year on record in the state, with an average temperature of 53.7 degrees. State Climatologist Trent Ford says that’s remarkable since last February was so cold. “So despite the fact that February average…… MORE
Lawmakers continue to stay away from Springfield.… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – The state is launching a new COVID-19 vaccine campaign in hopes of reaching those still on the fence about getting the shots. The initial rollout features four videos from Illinoisans who were initially hestitant about getting the vaccine. That includes Ken, a pastor from Danville who, along with his wife,…… MORE
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – The Illinois Department of Corrections is again declining to accept inmates from county jails because of COVID-19 outbreaks at state prisons, a move a local sheriff said is forcing local taxpayers to foot the bill to house those prisoners. The state calls it a temporary pause, but McLean County Sheriff…… MORE
As cases of COVID-19 continue to surge in McLean County, District 87 is changing school schedules to limit the spread.… MORE
Another person has died from COVID-19 in McLean County as health officials report 645 new virus cases over the past 24 hours.… MORE
According to a local doctor, medical experts are looking into a fourth booster shot to increase protection against COVID-19.… MORE
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – After a large fire Monday afternoon at Victory Church in southeast Bloomington the executive pastor is asking the community for prayers. Several fire departments responded to fight the blaze that destroyed most of the west wing of the church and caused lots of smoke and water damage, according to Executive…… MORE
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – Jelani Day’s brother and mother expressed their displeasure to Bloomington aldermen Monday night about how police have handled the Illinois State University graduate student’s death last year. At Monday night’s city council meeting, Seve Day called his sibling’s death a “hate crime” and said the investigation conducted by several police…… MORE
The Town of Normal is looking to preserve artifacts from the COVID-19 pandemic through a community time capsule.… 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…