By Jake Fogal NORMAL – The president of Illinois State University, Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy, has resigned from her position. The university says the resignation was effective February 14. The Board of Trustees will meet on Friday to vote to accept Kinzy’s resignation. The meeting is scheduled for 2:00. Kinzy was selected as the 20th…… MORE
Illinois House GOP members lay out legislative priorities
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – As Gov. JB Pritzker gives his State of the State and budget message today, Illinois House Republicans do not want him to forget the state’s shortcomings. “We have an acute shortage of child care workers in many parts of our state,” said State Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Bourbonnais). “The cost of…… MORE
Miller Park Zoo mourns death of female snow leopard
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – The Miller Park Zoo on Tuesday announced the death of its oldest female snow leopard “Hima.” In a Facebook post, the zoo said animal care and veterinary staff had been monitoring and treating Hima for advanced renal decline. It is not unexpected for a senior feline to experience renal issues,…… MORE
Hyundai, Kia update security after TikTok challenge thefts
By 25 News 25 NEWS – Hyundai and Kia are rolling out software updates to stem a raft of auto thefts related to a TikTok challenge that authorities believe has led to at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities. The updates are free for millions of vehicles that are missing a key anti-theft device, an…… MORE
Republican state lawmaker questions school funding formula
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – When Illinois superintendents gathered to celebrate five years of the new school funding formula, some lawmakers wonder if it’s really something to celebrate. State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) told the superintendent from Vienna the results haven’t followed the funding. “Fourteen percent are doing math at grade level,” Wilhour said,…… MORE
Bloomington City Council approves contract with Washington lobbying firm
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council reversed course Monday night, choosing to hire a Washington lobbying firm to help secure more federal funding for the city. The council voted 6-3 for a three-year contract with Thorn Run Partners that will cost taxpayers $270,000 over the life of the contract. At the Jan. 23 council meeting,…… MORE
Chicago Bears Fan of the Year experiences once in a lifetime trip to Super Bowl 57
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The Chicago Bears Fan of the Year is wrapping up his week out in Glendale,Arizona following the Chiefs win over the Eagles in Super Bowl 57. Normal native and State Farm executive Corey Schieler received the news he’d be in attendance for the big game months ago, as he was…… MORE
Parents in McLean County hear from school board candidates on tax referendum & budget deficit
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – Candidates for this April’s election for the school board had the opportunity to give their viewpoints to parents Saturday morning. One of the hot-button issues is the referendum for a tax hike. If passed it will increase the tax rate cap. The referendum on the April ballot calls for an…… MORE
Gov. Pritzker picks 2 new members for ISU’s governing board
By 25 News NORMAL – Gov. JB Pritzker is appointing two people to serve on Illinois State University’s Board of Trustees, replacing a pair of veteran board members’ whose terms expired last month. Neither Scott Jenkins or Lia Merminga attended ISU, and a university spokesperson said that pending Senate confirmation, they will replace Bob Dobski…… MORE
Radio Bloomington-St. Jude Radiothon raises $101,705
By WJBC Staff BLOOMINGTON – The annual Radio Bloomington-St. Jude Radiothon wrapped up Friday and raised $101,705 for children with cancer. Money raised during the radiothon helps pay for cancer treatment and research. It also provides travel, housing, and food for families with patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, based in Memphis. At St.…… 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…