By 25 News MCLEAN COUNTY – Illinois State Police conducted what officials are saying “could be one of the largest cocaine busts ever in McLean County” last week. According to Illinois State Police from a probable cause statement read in McLean County Court, officers conducted a patrol traffic stop on Interstate 55 Friday. An out-of-state…… MORE
Woman grazed by bullet during shooting in Normal
By 25 News NORMAL – A woman was grazed by a bullet in a shooting early Saturday morning in Normal. Officers responded around 2:00 A.M. for a shots fired report on Roland Drive. A witness reported hearing loud bangs, which lead to the bullet grazing the victim. The woman refused medical treatment, and no other…… MORE
Normal West Wildcats rely on turnovers in Week 8 win over undefeated Peoria Lions
By Jake Fogal NORMAL – The Normal West defense made plays as rain drops soaked into the field at Wildcat Stadium. A total of six turnovers and a consistent offensive game plan was enough to separate the Wildcats from the Lions in Week 8, winning 30-6. Peoria was first on the scoreboard, leading 6-0 in…… MORE
ISU board approves renaming of Redbird Arena after CEFCU donation
Illinois State University’s board of trustees met Friday morning to finalize the renaming of Redbird Arena.… MORE
AT&T latest company caught up in a corruption scandal involving former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan
AT&T is the latest company caught up in a corruption scandal involving former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. … MORE
Bloomington teenager and man face separate gun charges in McLean County
A teenager and a Bloomington man face separate gun charges in McLean county.… MORE
Optimistic forecast for corn and soybean yields in Illinois
By USDA Corn: Planted area is estimated at 10.8 million acres, down 2 percent from last year. Harvested area, forecast at 10.55 million acres, is down 3 percent from 2021. Based on October 1 conditions, the Illinois corn yield is forecast at a record 210 bushels per acre, up 8 bushels from 2021. Production is…… MORE
McLean County Board approves 4 solar power projects, rewards administrator with pay raise
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Board granted a special use permit for solar panels to be installed in Bloomington Township, and renewed permits for three other solar farms in the county. The board during its monthly meeting Thursday night also extended the contract of County Administrator Cassy Taylor for five years and…… MORE
Trio of Republicans says the influence of Mike Madigan extends past his run as Speaker of the House
A trio of Illinois House candidates – all Republicans from the Chicago suburbs – say the influence of Mike Madigan extends past his runs as Speaker of the House and chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. … MORE
Bloomington man jailed in connection to July stabbing in Normal
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – A 24-year-old Bloomington man is in the McLean County jail on attempted murder charges in connection with a stabbing that took place in Normal in late July. Normal Police say Zhane McGill was arrested after a lengthy investigation by its Patrol and Investigative Division, along with collaboration from the McLean…… 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…