By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Once again, schools will be able to take advantage of free covid-19 tests from the University of Illinois’ Shield program. About 258 districts throughout the state plus many private schools worked with Shield Illinois during this most recent academic year, utilizing the speedy saliva tests says the program’s Beth Heller.…… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is offering tips to stay safe during the heat wave. Extreme heat is hitting many parts of Illinois, and it’s important to use a little extra caution says IEMA spokesperson Kevin Sur. “For those that like to be outside consider curtailing your strenuous activities until…… MORE
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington Elementary School is reporting its garden was vandalized last week. Washington Elementary School, had several pieces of its garden smashed and/or stolen. Kelly Mathy, a fourth grade teacher at Washington Elementary, assisted in starting the garden over a decade ago. Large rocks were moved and crushed much of…… MORE
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.4 days suitable for field work during the week ending June 12, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 69.1 degrees, 1.4 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.99 inches, 0.07 inches degrees above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 85 percent adequate, and…… MORE
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council agreed to spend some of the money it’s received from the American Rescue Plan to help fund a mobile health unit serving McLean County residents who otherwise wouldn’t have direct assess to medical care. The council voted unanimously Monday night to contribute $150,000 from the federal…… MORE
A 26-year-old man is behind bars in McLean County after authorities allege he had a ‘ghost gun.’… MORE
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Highs in the upper 90s and heat index readings in the triple digits are expected over the next few days, making for dangerous heat. As a result of the heat, there is a Heat Advisory in effect from noon Monday until 8 p.m. Wednesday. Cooling centers have been opened throughout…… MORE
For the second time this year, Italian chocolate maker Ferrero plans another expansion of roughly $214 million.… MORE
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Illinois gas prices continue to rise, up about 18 cents over the past week, averaging $5.62 a gallon. According to GasBuddy price reports, prices in the state are 79 cents higher than a month ago and $2.35 higher than a year ago. The national average has risen 15 cents per…… MORE
By Dave Dahl BLOOMINGTON – The reported reboot of the Richard Irvin campaign looks a lot like how it started. The Aurora mayor and Republican gubernatorial candidate is back to telling people he is Democrats’ “worst nightmare.” Irvin, speaking with sheriffs in Bloomington Friday, is also back to saying he is intimidating Gov. JB Pritzker…… 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…