By WJBC Staff BLOOMINGTON – Local and state officials Wednesday celebrated the groundbreaking of the first North American location to produce Kinder Bueno products, which will be located at Ferrero North America’s Bloomington location. The $214.4 million facility will expand the company’s Bloomington facility and is expected to create 200 jobs over the next four…… MORE
A pre-election labor rally Tuesday was a big Democratic shout of ‘Union Yes’
By Dave Dahl DECATUR – With the Workers’ Rights Amendment on next week’s ballot – promising to strengthen the power of union labor – Democrats turned out Tuesday for a pre-election rally at the IBEW hall in Decatur. Two lawmakers told family stories of how unions carried them. “It’s hard to say this without crying,”…… MORE
Central Illinois Republicans continue push to reinstate cash bail
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The Safe-T Act, the highest profile portion of which being the elimination of cash bail effective Jan. 1, is not on the ballot next week. But, for all the hue and cry Illinois Republicans and law enforcers have raised, it may as well be. “I will demand a repeal of…… MORE
Bloomington woman identified in Monday morning crash on Veterans Parkway
By WJBC Staff and 25 News BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Coroner’s office is releasing the name of a Bloomington woman who died in a crash on Monday. 28-year-old Chelsea Marshall died from multiple blunt force injuries due to her car colliding with a pickup truck, according to McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder. Toxicology testing…… MORE
Illinois farmers have caught up on the harvest
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.8 days suitable for field work during the week ending October 30, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 52.9 degrees, 1.4 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.43 inches, 0.92 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 13 percent very short, 26 percent short, and 61 percent adequate. Subsoil…… MORE
Driver dead after fatal 2-vehicle crash in Bloomington
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – A driver was pronounced dead after a two-vehicle crash in Bloomington Monday morning. In a joint release from Bloomington Police and the McLean County Coroner, officers were dispatched to the area of the Main Street overpass on Veterans Parkway at around 8:42 a.m. The occupants were transported to local hospitals…… MORE
Central Illinois restaurant Green Gables planning reopening in 2023
By Jake Fogal HUDSON – After a devastating fire that completely destroyed the Central Illinois trademark, Green Gables in Hudson intends to rise again. Green Gables was forced out of business due to the blaze, but because of public support including donations and fundraising, the small town restaurant is anticipated to open again. Amy Tague,…… MORE
Former Bloomington orthopedic surgeon accepting plea deal in sexual assault case
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – A former orthopedic surgeon in Bloomington is set to accept a plea deal in a sexual assault case brought by a patient. Assistant McLean County State’s Attorney Mary Knoll says the plea agreement in the case against Shaun Kink is set to be presented on December 27, but further details…… MORE
What makes a good Halloween horror flick?
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – We seek out the scary to be frightened and entertained at the same time, according to a University of Illinois English professor who also is a movie expert. He says you can’t go wrong by choosing one of Alfred Hitchcock’s works. “He just (knew) how to tap into what people…… MORE
No. 19 Normal Community rolls over No. 14 Hononegah 44-13 in round one of Class 7A playoffs
By Jake Fogal ROCKTON – Normal Community has extended their win streak to six games as the Ironmen traveled to Rockton for a first round playoff matchup with Hononegah. Community quarterback Kyle Beaty impressed in his postseason debut, throwing for five touchdowns and 255 yards. The sophomore connected with 6’7 wide receiver Elliot Oliver three…… 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…