By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ looming leadership in clean energy is a story Gov Pritzker is eager to tell. On the eve of his departure to Europe, Pritzker touted an electric vehicle incentive package which passed the legislature last week. “We now have a robust toolkit to attract and support EV manufacturers and consumers,”…… MORE
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 1.2 days suitable for field work during the week ending October 31, 2021. Statewide, the average temperature was 50.0 degrees, 1.6 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 2.35 inches, 1.73 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 49 percent adequate, and 46…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Prevention and intervention and parts of an anti-crime strategy announced by the governor and lawmakers Monday. State Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) says words are only … words “A budget is a moral document,” he said. “It’s a statement of your responsibilities, a statement of your priorities. A commitment of $250…… MORE
An education program based in Illinois works to put teens on the right track toward success and Saturday, students of Lincoln’s Challenge Academy walked across the stage at Illinois State University’s Bone Student Center to graduate.… MORE
The holiday season is right around the corner, and a local nonprofit organization is looking to put presents under the Christmas trees for over 5,000 children in McLean County.… MORE
Bloomington Police need the public’s help in locating a person who left over 380 grams of cannabis in a bucket on the city’s southwest side.… MORE
Another McLean County resident has died from COVID-19, as county health officials recorded 68 new virus cases since Friday.… MORE
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Gas prices in the state dropped about a penny in the last week, averaging $3.49 a gallon on Monday. According to GasBuddy, prices in Illinois are 15 cents higher than a month ago and a $1.32 more expensive compared to this time last year. GasBuddy price reports show the cheapest…… MORE
By Blake Haas BLOOMINGTON – As Democrats from across the country continue to debate President Biden’s Build Back Better plan, a central Illinois Congressman says now is not the time to pass the massive bill as the nation faces mounting debt. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Dunlap) told WJBC’s Scott Miller this is “not the time…… MORE
By HOI ABC NORMAL – The driver of a car that collided late Friday morning with a First Student school bus in Normal has died from injuries he suffered in the crash. McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder said Gavin Lartz, 19, of Normal, was pronounced dead about 4:30 p.m. at Carle BroMenn Medical Center’s emergency…… 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…