By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The pandemic brought disparities in health care into a harsh spotlight, says Illinois Department of Public Health director Dr. Sameer Vohra. Help is on the way, he adds, in the form of $3.7 million in federal funds going to eighteen groups trying to close the gap. Selena Stegeman of Quincy…… MORE
Bloomington Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying three suspects in a local theft case.… MORE
By 25 News NORMAL – The Normal Town Council narrowly agreed Monday night to favor hometown Rivian Automotive by purchasing two electric vehicles without going through the formal bidding process. The town won’t advertise for bids, which typically enable taxpayers to get the lowest possible price for major government purchases. The council’s vote was 4-3…… MORE
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.1 days suitable for field work during the week ending October 16, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 53.0 degrees, 2.9 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.59 inches, 0.08 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 22 percent very short, 31 percent short, 44 percent adequate and 3…… MORE
Stanford Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a person allegedly involved in several burglaries and thefts.… MORE
Harvest season is in full force in Central Illinois, and the Illinois Fire Marshall’s Office is encouraging farmers to watch out for equipment and field fires.… MORE
By 25 News MCLEAN COUNTY – Illinois State Police conducted what officials are saying “could be one of the largest cocaine busts ever in McLean County” last week. According to Illinois State Police from a probable cause statement read in McLean County Court, officers conducted a patrol traffic stop on Interstate 55 Friday. An out-of-state…… MORE
By 25 News NORMAL – A woman was grazed by a bullet in a shooting early Saturday morning in Normal. Officers responded around 2:00 A.M. for a shots fired report on Roland Drive. A witness reported hearing loud bangs, which lead to the bullet grazing the victim. The woman refused medical treatment, and no other…… MORE
By Jake Fogal NORMAL – The Normal West defense made plays as rain drops soaked into the field at Wildcat Stadium. A total of six turnovers and a consistent offensive game plan was enough to separate the Wildcats from the Lions in Week 8, winning 30-6. Peoria was first on the scoreboard, leading 6-0 in…… MORE
A teenager and a Bloomington man face separate gun charges in McLean county.… 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…