By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Most Springfield aldermen seem inclined to protect local businesses by sitting out any casino sweepstakes in the near future. But after an ongoing saga of attempts to convert a 30-story hotel downtown to mostly apartments and now this, Ald. Ralph Hanauer is frustrated. “it just seems like we don’t have…… MORE
Man found guilty of torture in McLean County
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington man was sentenced Wednesday to 11 years in prison for torturing his girlfriend earlier this year. As part of a plea deal, Meontay Wheeler, 23, pled guilty to a charge of aggravated battery infliction of torture, which is a Class 1 felony. Two other aggravated battery charges were…… MORE
Over 58,000 books donated locally by Toys for Tots of McLean County
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – A local organization is donating 58,301 books to several school districts and non-profit groups. Toys for Tots of McLean County teamed up with its national office who worked with Scholastic to provide the donation. Toys for Tots of McLean County director Troy Zeigler told WJBC some of the books are…… MORE
Illinois State Board of Elections debunking election fraud myths
Illinois State Board of Election’s top brass is dispelling any myths about election fraud ahead of the Illinois Gubernatorial election.… MORE
IDNR urges the public to leave the mountain lion currently roaming the state alone
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – There’s at least one mountain lion roaming Illinois right now and the State Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to leave him alone. There have been two cougars here recently. One was struck and killed on I-88 over a week ago. But another, outfitted with a GPS collar…… MORE
Jane Lynch inducted into IBA Hall of Fame
By 25 News NORMAL – Actor and Illinois native Jane Lynch was given the highest honor from the Illinois Broadcasters Association. The former Illinois State Redbird is now in its Hall of Fame. The comedian, actor and author’s screen delivery and sharp style has made her a recognizable figure, as well as a household name.…… MORE
Congressman LaHood reports more poll watchers are out this year compared to years past
Just weeks before election day, a Central Illinois Congressman is touting election security at the ballot box.… MORE
Springfield Public School students watch Top Gun with a visit from a former Top Gun pilot
When was the last time you had popcorn during class?… MORE
Petroleum Expert: Prices to heat a home could double or triple this winter
Prices to heat a home in Central Illinois could sometimes double or even triple.… MORE
BART MCNEIL: Bloomington man’s fight for innocence can move forward, not the way he hoped
After several months of delay, another step forward for a Bloomington man’s fight for innocence, but not the way his legal team had hoped.… 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…