By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – October marked the 17th month in a row of job growth in Illinois. The state unemployment rate increased slightly last month from 4.5% to 4.6%, but 3,600 jobs were added says Illinois Department of Employment Security director Kristin Richards. “This tells us that payroll job growth has continued to instill…… MORE
Firearm deer season opens across Illinois
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Firearm deer season opens Friday in Illinois. It’s time for hunters to get out in the fields for the seven day firearm season, which is the most popular of the year says state conservation police officer Zach Williams. “We call it when the blaze orange army comes out because that…… MORE
McLean County man found guilty of child pornography
After a four-day trial, a 57-year-old Normal man has been found guilty of 10 counts of possession of child pornography.… MORE
Teenager recovering after being shot in Bloomington
A teenager is recovering in a local hospital after being shot in Bloomington late Wednesday night.… MORE
Native Americans in Illinois make their needs known in Springfield
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Native American groups made their concerns known during what was described as a first-of-its kind summit with state lawmakers at the Capitol Wednesday. The most prominent topic at a news conference – which featured a traditional chant – was the story of Nimkii Curley, whom Evanston Township High School kept…… MORE
New Republican leaders at the Illinois Capitol
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Being the first woman to lead a caucus of the Illinois House of Representatives may be an important thing, but House Minority Leader-elect Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) says it’s not the only thing. “I was the first female mayor in Savanna, so this is not a first for me, but I…… MORE
Unit 5 superintendent wants to know why voters said no to tax question
By 25 News NORMAL – Wednesday was the first board meeting for McLean County’s largest school district after its tax referendum failed last week. Potentially, up on the chopping block are electives, school buildings and increased class sizes. Superintendent Kristen Weikle wants to know why almost 54% of voters said no to an increased annual tax rate…… MORE
1 person wounded in Bloomington mobile home park, building hit in separate gunfire report
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington Police say one person was wounded in a shooting late Wednesday night in a mobile home park on the city’s south side. A building was hit by gunfire on the city’s east about 90 minutes before that, but police don’t know now of any connection. Police said they were…… MORE
Illinois Senators are on the move during Capitol construction
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The renovation of the north wing of the state Capitol has pushed out the senators. Tuesday marked not only the start of the 2022 veto session; it was also the first day of a nearly 2 ½ -year stay in the adjacent Howlett Building. A deteriorating auditorium received a massive…… MORE
McLean County correctional officer charged with worker’s comp fraud
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office has filed a felony charge alleging worker’s compensation fraud against a county correctional officer. In a release, McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage says that officer is Ryan Hitch, 48. He is alleged to have intentionally made false or fraudulent material statements or material representations…… 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…