By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending July 21, 2024. Statewide, the average temperature was 72.3 degrees, 4.5 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.76 inches, 0.83 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 3 percent very short, 13 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 6 percent…… MORE
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – Rivian got the go-ahead by the Bloomington City Council for two new buildings on Monday. The Enterprise Zone, where Rivian is located, got approved for expansion unanimously as part of the council’s consent agenda. According to the council itinerary, Rivian plans to expand their manufacturing facility with two 1,200,00 square foot…… MORE
State Police have released the body camera footage from both of the deputies that responded to Sonya Massey’s residence when she was shot and killed on July 6. The full video can be found here on YouTube.… MORE
A Bloomington 12-year-old was one of 14 honorees recently recognized nationally by Nickelodeon.… MORE
A 28-year-old Eureka man stands accused of allegedly beating a child with a belt and his fists.… MORE
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington Public Library announced Friday that it’s ready to reveal the highly anticipated 25-month finalization of its newly expanded and renovated facility worth millions. According to a press release from the library Friday morning, after 25 months of construction, there will be a ribbon-cutting and celebration on Aug. 1. The ceremony…… MORE
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – If you have hazardous waste, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is making it easier for you to get rid of it. The Illinois EPA is hosting numerous hazardous waste collections in partnership with local governments this fall. On Sept. 28, you can get rid of your waste at McLean County Fairgrounds…… MORE
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Normal Town Councilmember Chemberly Harris is throwing her hat in the town’s mayoral race. “It took a lot of thought to come to the decision to run for mayor,” said Harris. “There are so many things going on locally, statewide and federally. I wanted to be part of the good impact we can…… MORE
A 59-year-old Pontiac man, who’s a felon, stands accused of possessing multiple guns.… MORE
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – Thursday, Crystal Kitchen received a $5,000 check for the Fresh Thyme’s 10th Birthday celebration contest. Owner Crystal Stanley calls the win two-fold. She said she’s always wanted to enter a baking contest, and she’s a frequent shopper at Fresh Thyme. The winning treat was a morning glory cake containing spice, carrots, apples, raisins,…… 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…