From USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.8 days suitable for field work during the week ending August 29, 2021. Statewide, the average temperature was 80.1 degrees, 6.5 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.82 inches, 0.02 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 5 percent very short, 20 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 5 percent…… MORE
A Bloomington man remains behind bars in McLean County on DUI charges after authorities say he was involved in a pedestrian hit and run over the weekend.… MORE
Normal Police Chief Rick Bleichner told Heart of Illinois ABC that three people were shot to death, including the suspect, and three others were wounded Monday at Landings Estates, a mobile home park in north Normal.… MORE
Another McLean County resident has died from COVID-19, while health officials report 180 new virus cases since Friday.… MORE
Some new details are emerging as Police around the state are trying to locate a missing Illinois State University graduate student.… MORE
A suspect remains at large after police arrested a teenager and an adult over the weekend for a shooting.… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Heading to the store? Make sure you bring your mask. The new indoor mask mandate is now in effect, and includes stores, restaurants, gyms and any other indoor public spaces. It was announced last week, with Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike (eh-zee-kay) saying masks work. As of Aug.…… MORE
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Gas prices inched up five cents over the past week, averaging $3.27 Monday. According to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 4,378 stations in Illinois, gas prices are nine cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 96 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The cheapest station in…… MORE
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – An Illinois State University faculty member was the first one to sound the alarm on graduate student Jelani “J.J.” Day’s disappearance. Director of Clinical Education Cara Boester said she texted Day Monday night about his coursework, but that’s the last she heard from him. “He was actually suppose to come see…… MORE
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – The final drawing of the state’s ‘All In for the Win’ vaccine lottery has taken place, and somebody from Bloomington is one of the lucky winners. The Illinois Department of Public Health notified winners by phone or email on Thursday, according to a news release. The winners of the August 26 drawing are…… 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…