By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – Only one incumbent whose term expires next year is running for re-election to the Bloomington City Council. Monday was the deadline for council candidates to file nominating petitions with the city’s election commission. There are only two contested races. Incumbent Donna Boelen is running unopposed on the April ballot for…… MORE
GasBuddy report: “Gasoline could fall under $3 per gallon by Christmas”
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Gas prices are down 19 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.78 a gallon across the state. GasBuddy says prices in Illinois are 35.5 cents lower than a month ago and over 26 cents more expensive compared to this time last year. GasBuddy price reports show the cheapest…… MORE
State police show off new interactive technology
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – With police seemingly under more scrutiny than ever … maybe this is more timely than ever — practice on when to fire your weapon. It’s usually a split-second decision for an officer. Sgt. Jasmin (cq) Dixon helped demonstrate the MILO system – Multiple Interactive Learning Objectives – for reporters Wednesday…… MORE
Impending railroad strike could cost country billions of dollars
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Carl Sandburg said it – Chicago is the player with railroads and the nation’s freight handler. But a railroad workers’ strike would have a damaging interruption, and Illinois Manufacturers’ Association president and CEO Mark Denzler says we can’t afford that. “There are seven Class I railroads. There are twelve unions,”…… MORE
Twin Cities man sentenced to 25 years in prison for severe assault of a child
By 25 News MCLEAN COUNTY – A Twin Cities man was sentenced Tuesday to 25 years in prison for repeatedly beating his girlfriend’s young son who suffered broken bones, brain bleeding, and was malnourished from the abuse. “You are beyond evil,” said the child’s grandmother who provided a victim-impact statement to the court. “What kind…… MORE
Illinois Wesleyan University adds women’s wrestling, men’s team returns to competition
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – Women’s wrestling will make its debut next year at Illinois Wesleyan University, and the liberal arts school is bringing back men’s wrestling as well. Women’s wrestling has been in the Olympics since 2004 and is considered one of the fastest growing high school sports. IWU’s men’s team was disbanded after…… MORE
Illinois State University farm plans for future after fire
By 25 News MCLEAN COUNTY – Illinois State University is thanking its agriculture community for stepping up to battle an almost 15-hour fire and taking in majority of its livestock after the research farm’s barn caught fire Friday. The university said it lost half of its 700 ft beef barn. “Certainly, that was a real…… MORE
Corn harvesting nearly complete in Illinois
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.8 days suitable for field work during the week ending November 20, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 28.1 degrees, 14.2 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.15 inches, 0.55 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 12 percent very short, 19 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 1…… MORE
Nationwide arrest warrants issued after Livingston Co. GPS thefts
Nationwide arrest warrants have been issued for a pair accused in several reports of stealing GPS units throughout Livingston County.… MORE
New flag pole coming to the Old State Capitol
It took just a few minutes, but – for those who were watching – it was a memorable sight. … 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…