By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – “An amazing person” is how Illinois’ senior U.S. Senator describes Gen. Colin Powell, who died earlier this week from COVID complications at the age of 84. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller. “The son of immigrants to the United States who decides he has a duty for…… MORE
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Fire Department confirms five people were hospitalized after a late night fire. It broke out around 11:15 PM Monday night in the 600 block of West Market Street in a building that had been converted into an apartment complex. The condition of the five injured is unclear at…… MORE
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 2.7 days suitable for field work during the week ending October 17, 2021. Statewide, the average temperature was 61.4 degrees, 5.5 above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.83 inches, 1.23 above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 21 percent surplus.…… MORE
A Clinton man faces charges in McLean County after a joint investigation with LeRoy and Clinton Police.… MORE
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Health Department is offering COVID-19 booster shots for those who are eligible. Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for boosters. Those who can receive the additional shot are people 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities, and those 18 and older with an underlying health…… MORE
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Gas prices in Illinois are still high, averaging $3.41 a gallon, but prices are down about three cents over the past week. According to GasBuddy, prices in the state are almost eight cents higher than a month ago and $1.25 more expensive compared to this time last year. GasBuddy price…… MORE
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington-Normal’s housing market is booming, as plants like Rivian and Ferrero have sparked an influx of people to the Twin Cities from around Central Illinois. “Line workers were buying in one price range, higher ups were buying the more expensive stuff,” Real Estate Broker from Coldwell Banker Real Estate Greg…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – If you like to see strange shapes on a map, the new congressional redistricting proposal for Illinois is right up your alley. Calling it “one of the most incredible cartographic feats I’ve ever seen in the history of mapmaking,” State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) pointed out a district that runs…… MORE
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – The annual Illinois State University Homecoming Parade is making its return in a more traditional format this weekend. The typical parade route will be in full force with over 100 participants and plenty of candy. There is also a way to watch the parade if you can’t be there in…… MORE
Gov. JB Pritzker is announcing more than $15 million in funding to boost the development of wet labs across the state.… 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…