By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Illinois lost an estimated 104,000 residents between 2021 and 2022, the third highest loss after New York and California, according to a report released by the U.S. Census Bureau on Thursday. Only New York’s 0.9% decrease was greater than Illinois’ 0.8% decline to 12.6 million residents. The statistics account for…… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Freshman enrollment is up at Illinois public universities. There’s been a five percent increase in the number of freshmen enrolled this school year. That compares to a decrease of more than two percent nationally says State Board of Higher Education spokesperson Jose Garcia. “This definitely does set us ahead of…… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Police are urging the public to stay off the roads during the winter storm. The combination of snow, high winds and bitter cold will make driving difficult says ISP Trooper Haylie Polistina. That’s why they would like to see everyone stay home if they can. If you do…… MORE
By 25 News MCLEAN COUNTY (25 News Now) – A local jail says it has too many mentally ill inmates and should not be there. The McLean County Sheriff’s Office says the jail does not have the resources, as it’s left without help the state says it is supposed to provide. In the past three…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – To all of you who asked for a white Christmas: Thanks a lot. Cold, wind, and snow will belt virtually all of Downstate Thursday and Friday. Some areas could get about four inches, with a six-inch snowfall possible northeast of a line from Bloomington to Paris. Ed Shimon, the warning…… MORE
The Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public to visit and bookmark gettingaroundillinois.com, a website with continually updated information on road conditions.… MORE
By 25 News CENTRAL ILLINOIS – This incoming winter storm will barrel through Central Illinois right as people are trying to get to their holiday destinations. The Illinois Department of Transportation says lower staffing levels mean plowing and treating roads will take longer, but don’t think it will severely impact their response. AAA reports this…… MORE
As inflation has driven up energy costs, Ameren and Google have teamed up with the Environmental Law and Policy Center, to offer customers some smart savings.… MORE
By 25 News NORMAL – Illinois State University is honoring one of its baseball standouts who’s became a major leaguer with the St. Louis Cardinals. ISU is building an indoor hitting and pitching facility along the right field line at Duffy Bass Field. Friday, the university’s governing board voted to name it in honor of…… MORE
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – Two juveniles are being tried as adults for allegedly stealing 25 guns from a Bloomington sporting goods store in December of last year, with one of the stolen firearms being used to shoot a 13-year-old boy in Peoria. Earlier this week, 14-year-old Antwan Freeman appeared in adult court on charges…… 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…