Category Archives: Local News

Coroner identifies victim of fatal weekend crash in Normal

Coroner identifies victim of fatal weekend crash in Normal

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

Illinois AG issues consumer alert about potential Hurricane Ian charity scams

Illinois AG issues consumer alert about potential Hurricane Ian charity scams

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

First gubernatorial debate at Illinois State University

First gubernatorial debate at Illinois State University

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

In the wake of fraternity vandalism, ISU PRIDE calls for action

In the wake of fraternity vandalism, ISU PRIDE calls for action

By 25 News NORMAL – Last week, a fraternity at Illinois State University spray painted anti-LGBTQ profanity on other Greek homes, causing a reaction from students and the school. “Any kind of act of vandalism is something that we don’t condone and certainly the derogatory statements that are printed out against other communities is something…MORE

Rivian releases third quarter production numbers

Rivian releases third quarter production numbers

By 25 News NORMAL – Third quarter production numbers released by Rivian Automotive show an increase in both production and delivered vehicles compared to the company’s second quarter. Rivian says its Normal manufacturing facility produced 7,363 vehicles and delivered 6,584 – compared to 4,401 vehicles produced and 4,467 delivered last quarter and 2,553 vehicles produced in…MORE

Illinois’ two major cash crops continue the harvest

Illinois’ two major cash crops continue the harvest

By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 7.0 days suitable for field work during the week ending October 2, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 55.3 degrees, 6.6 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.01 inches, 0.64 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 11 percent very short, 38 percent short, and 51 percent adequate. Subsoil…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…