By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – It’s a phrase popularized by Mister Rogers: “Look for the helpers.” But who helps the helpers? The first responders see someone on their worst day, and sometimes on their last day. That’s not for everyone, but Illinois State Police Trooper Elizabeth Clausing says help’s available for her colleagues; she is…… MORE
Scott vs. Scott Challenge Benefitting The Salvation Army
Who is your favorite Scott? Now is your time to let us know while supporting The Salvation Army of Bloomington-Normal!… MORE
Ironmen falter late, Pekin snatches 32-31 playoff win over Normal Community
By Jake Fogal NORMAL – The 2nd round of the IHSA football playoff’s delivered a classic between two Central Illinois teams that came down to the wire. As cheers roared from the stands at Dick Tharp field, Ironmen fans were on their feet anticipating a victory, before things took a drastic turn late in the…… MORE
Cyber era just beginning says National Guard Major General
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The digital world is a primitive one, according to the general who runs the Illinois National Guard. “We’re in the biplane era of cyber,” said Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the state’s adjutant general. “We’re in the early years. Funding, policy, infrastructure that we need in the National Guard is all…… MORE
Republican candidate for governor received a death threat via voicemail this week
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – When news broke of a graphic death threat on State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) and his family, the gubernatorial challenger immediately blamed Democrats. A voicemail says the caller would skin the senator alive and feed members of his family to him. Bailey said the trigger is Gov. JB Pritzker and…… MORE
Mother charged in missing baby case found not guilty by reason of insanity
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington woman charged with concealment of her baby’s death has been found not guilty by reason of insanity because of her mental illness. While she’s acquitted of the charges, it could be years before Kimberlee Burton goes free. Her infant child Zaraz Walker has never been found and is…… MORE
No kids on school bus during collision with van in Hudson; minor injuries reported
No students were on board a Unit 5 school bus during a collision with a van near a Nicor facility in Hudson.… MORE
BNEDC looks back on the deal that landed Ferrero expansions in the twin-cities
A massive $214.4 million facility expansion at Ferrero in Bloomington that brings over 200 jobs to the twin cities has been years in the making.… MORE
Durbin reacts to attack on the House Speaker’s husband
By Dave Dahl DECATUR – The hammer attack this week on the husband of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was heartbreaking to U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), who says Paul and Nancy Pelosi are friends of his. “There will be more security. I am concerned, because it’s happening too frequently,” Durbin said in Decatur…… MORE
Bloomington man facing multiple charges after alleged shooting Tuesday night
A Bloomington man is facing multiple charges after police reported he allegedly fired a gun in the air.… 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…