By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – There have been about 96 tornadoes occurring in the month of December in Illinois between 1950 and 2020, so they do happen says State Climatologist Trent Ford. “There is not a tornado season in Illinois and when we do get tornadoes in December, as well as January, February and November,…… MORE
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington fire crews responded to an apartment fire Monday morning that left a woman and three children displaced. The department responded to a structure fire on Holton Drive at 11:26 a.m. after a neighbor reported the smell and presence smoke, according to BFD Facebook post. Authorities say no injuries were…… MORE
By Heart of Illinois ABC BLOOMINGTON-Bloomington aldermen are expected to decide Monday night whether to become part of the nationwide settlement compensating taxpayers for costs related to the opioid epidemic. Local governments have until January 2 to decide if they are “opting-in” on a nationwide settlement of a lawsuit with opioid distributors and manufacturers in…… MORE
Two local nonprofits received an early Christmas gift from a local Nuclear Power plant.… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Denying someone their job because of their vaccination status is discrimination, according to State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich). His “Freedom Act” would outlaw it. Shouldn’t people go to work with the assurance everyone around them is vaccinated? “Well, shouldn’t everybody that has the right to go to work understand that…… MORE
The Bloomington Communications Center has earned top honors of excellence for its professionalism and respect during recent interactions with the community.… MORE
The twice-a-year changing of the clocks – as Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend, giving us an extra hour – would come to an end, if some Illinois lawmakers have their way.… MORE
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the McLean County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations to shine a light on businesses in the twin cities.… MORE
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – A local lawmaker has been weighing his options the last few months about a run for statewide office. State Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) has been exploring the idea of running for Illinois Secretary of State. Current Secretary of State Jesse White, a Democrat, has held the office since 1998, but…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ law requiring parents to be notified if their daughter is getting an abortion may not be on the books much longer. A proposed repeal has passed the Senate and moves to the House. All Republicans joined State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) in voting against. “The parental notification, thankfully, saves…… 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…