In the pumpkin capital of the world, farmers are feeling the pinch of the high cost of fertilizer and a labor shortage. … MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Three candidates vie for position of McLean County State’s Attorney
By 25 News MCLEAN COUNTY – Three candidates have submitted applications to take over the role of State’s Attorney in McLean County. It comes as incumbent Don Knapp is set to take over as judge following the last election. Ericka Reynolds from Heyworth, currently serves as the Assistant State’s Attorney in the county already. She…… MORE
Normal Juvenile arrested on two armed robbery charges
By Jake Fogal NORMAL – A Normal Juvenile has been arrested for two armed robbery incidents. A 15-year old juvenile, formerly from Normal, first robbed Indy Smoke Shop at 112 North St. in March according to Normal police. In this incident the suspect entered the business, displayed a bb gun that looked like a firearm,…… MORE
McLean County man given 6 1/2 years for sending obscene material to a minor
By 25 News PEORIA – A McLean County man has been sentenced to 6 1/2-years in federal prison for using social media to send obscene material to a minor. U.S. District Judge James Shadid handed down the sentence against Alexander B. Smith, 23, of Danvers. Shadid could have given Smith a maximum 10 years in…… MORE
Local Financial Advisor: Student loan relief could face “some challenges” in court
Even though President Biden announced student loan debt relief for millions of Americans, a local financial advisor reports the move could not come to fruition.… MORE
ISU welcomes largest freshman class in 35 years
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – Illinois State University welcomed its largest freshman class in 35 years for the 2022 fall semester. 3,983 freshman students moved to campus this fall, bringing the total enrollment to 20,683, according to a news release. This represents an 18 percent increase in freshman enrollment from last year and a 2…… MORE
Normal’s mayor advocates for passenger rail systems in front of US Senate panel
By 25 News NORMAL – The long-time mayor of Normal was on Capitol Hill Wednesday to speak in front of a Senate transportation committee. Mayor Chris Koos was nominated to serve on the Amtrak Board of Directors and spoke about his experience with Uptown Station in Normal. “The key to its success is partnership and…… MORE
Former Rivian worker sues automaker for failing to halt sexual harassment at local plant
By 25 News NORMAL – A Bloomington woman, who worked at Rivian Automotive in Normal, has filed a federal lawsuit against the company claiming the sexual harassment she suffered was so intolerable that she had to leave her job in April of this year. She claimed in her lawsuit Rivian failed to deal with “unlawful…… MORE
Regional Supt.: Teacher shortage “exacerbated by the pandemic”
According to the Regional Education Office’s top brass, a national teacher shortage is beginning to impact central Illinois schools.… MORE
Gas prices fall a few cents in latest gas report
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Gas prices continue their tumble across Illinois but the average price fell only 4.2 cents in the last week, sitting at $4.10 a gallon. According to GasBuddy, prices in Illinois are 32 cents lower than a month ago and 82 cents higher than a year ago. GasBuddy price reports show…… MORE
Blogs
Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all
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.” …
Is federal mobilization the answer?
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…
In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans
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…
Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life
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…