By Neil Doyle NORMAL – Illinois State University’s Redbird Arena will soon be getting a new name. ISU’s governing board will vote Friday on a naming rights and sponsorship agreement to rename Redbird Arena to “CEFCU Arena.” CEFCU will pay ISU athletics approximately $3.1 million over ten years for the naming rights for Redbird Arena,…… MORE
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 7.0 days suitable for field work during the week ending October 9, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 54.9 degrees, 2.3 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.05 inches, 0.74 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 26 percent very short, 33 percent short, and 41 percent adequate. Subsoil…… MORE
For the first time this winter, boys and girls basketball could use a shot clock in tournaments or shootouts.… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health says it’s time to get your annual flu shot. Now that people are out and about and most aren’t wearing a mask anymore, flu activity will likely pick up this year says IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. He recommends getting both the flu vaccine…… MORE
By 25 News NORMAL – The recall of nearly every electric vehicle made so far at the Rivian plant in Normal caused the company’s share price to fall sharply Monday. Late Friday night, the electric truck and SUV maker said it is recalling more than 12,000 vehicles with issues that could affect the steering control. Specifically, a…… MORE
As the cleanup effort continues from Hurricane Ian in Florida, the Midwest Food Bank is sending supplies to those in need.… MORE
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – The McLean County Coroner’s Office has identified the person who died in a single car crash Saturday afternoon in Normal. 18-year-old Austin McKee of Normal was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Coroner Kathy Yoder. Preliminary autopsy results indicate McKee died of head injuries due to a pickup truck…… MORE
By Jake Fogal EUREKA – Two unbeatens took the field in Eureka Friday night for Week 7 action in the Heart of Illinois Conference. It was an early start for the Hornets to get up 7-0, but the Mustangs defense forced five turnovers leading to a 21-7 win. Quarterback Jacob Morin of Eureka, got the…… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is warning the public about potential hurricane Ian donation scams. It’s okay to ask questions before you donate to relief efforts says Raoul, such as how much of your contribution will go towards the cause. He recommends paying close attention to the name of the…… MORE
By Dave Dahl NORMAL – The first of two statewide televised debates had both camps declaring victory, as Gov. JB Pritzker and State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) met Thursday night at Illinois State University in Normal. Nexstar Broadcasting put on the debate, airing on tee vee stations that included WMBD Channel 31 in Peoria and…… 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…