A man is in a twin-cities hospital after being shot early Monday morning.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Local high school teacher and coach thinks he can bridge political divide
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – A Heyworth High School teacher and coach has taken his seat on the McLean County Board, believing he can help mend fences in an otherwise polarized political environment. Normal resident Jay “Ryan” Lawler, a Democrat, was appointed to fill the vacant District 4 county board seat, but will hold the…… MORE
MCHD reports first case of monkeypox virus
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – The first case of the monkeypox virus has been confirmed in McLean County. The McLean County Health Department is collaborating with the Illinois Department of Public Health to complete contact tracing for the case to identify any close contacts and provide vaccines to those identified as an exposure risk. “The…… MORE
Normal West Wildcats dismantle Champaign Central in week one of high school football
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON-The High School Football Extravaganza on WJBC, sponsored by CEFCU, not a bank, better, featured the Normal Community West Wildcats blanking Champaign Central 42-0. Wildcats Jayden Mangruem led the way with 68 yards through the air, also tallying 3 passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. The defense stifled the Champaign Central Maroons…… MORE
Illinois Secretary of State tests positive for COVID-19
By 25 News SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, who’s 88, tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, according to his office. A news release said White has mild symptoms, is in quarantine, and working from home. His office said White is double vaccinated, and received two booster shots. White is said to be…… MORE
Child believed to have minor injuries after being hit by car in Normal
By 25 News NORMAL – A 9-year-old is believed to have minor injuries after being struck while crossing a street near Colene Hoose Elementary School Wednesday morning. Normal Police spokesperson Brad Park says the student was crossing the street with a crossing guard present. Park confirms speed was not an issue in the crash which…… MORE
McLean County Board hopeful decides to wait for November election, teacher applies for vacant board seat
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – A Democrat from Normal, criticized for her views on law enforcement, is withdrawing her candidacy for a short-term appointment to the McLean County Board, and is instead focusing her efforts on winning the seat in the November election. With Krystal Able opting out, Heyworth High School social studies teacher and…… MORE
McLean County Museum of History set to reopen after COVID outbreak and staff shortages
The McLean County Museum of History is set to reopen after a temporary closure due to COVID and staff shortages.… MORE
Livingston County State Attorney looks back on triple-murder conviction of a Collum man
On the heels of a triple-murder guilty verdict against a Collum man, Livingston County’s State Attorney is looking back on the week and a half long trial.… MORE
McLean County Farm Bureau donates $15K to Heyworth FFA program
The McLean County Farm Bureau is helping a local FFA organization with a large donation just ahead of the harvest season… 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…