As the cleanup effort continues from Hurricane Ian in Florida, the Midwest Food Bank is sending supplies to those in need.… MORE
Resources for women who want to start businesses are in one place
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Help’s available for women – particularly women of color – who are trying to start up their own businesses. Women Employed, a nonprofit organization, has collected resources and networking opportunities under one banner: WE Hub. Barriers, says Women Employed director of business development Ibie Hart, include “lack of social capital,…… MORE
Coroner identifies victim of fatal weekend crash in Normal
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – The McLean County Coroner’s Office has identified the person who died in a single car crash Saturday afternoon in Normal. 18-year-old Austin McKee of Normal was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Coroner Kathy Yoder. Preliminary autopsy results indicate McKee died of head injuries due to a pickup truck…… MORE
Ridgeview-Lexington advances to 7-0 following Week 7 clash with Eureka Hornets
By Jake Fogal EUREKA – Two unbeatens took the field in Eureka Friday night for Week 7 action in the Heart of Illinois Conference. It was an early start for the Hornets to get up 7-0, but the Mustangs defense forced five turnovers leading to a 21-7 win. Quarterback Jacob Morin of Eureka, got the…… MORE
Drought conditions in some parts of the state
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – The latest U.S. drought monitor shows continued dry conditions in some parts of the state. There hasn’t been much rain lately, which is reflected in the updated Illinois drought map. “We do have some pretty dry spots in the state,” said State Climatologist Trent Ford. “Pretty much the whole southern…… MORE
Illinois AG issues consumer alert about potential Hurricane Ian charity scams
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is warning the public about potential hurricane Ian donation scams. It’s okay to ask questions before you donate to relief efforts says Raoul, such as how much of your contribution will go towards the cause. He recommends paying close attention to the name of the…… MORE
First gubernatorial debate at Illinois State University
By Dave Dahl NORMAL – The first of two statewide televised debates had both camps declaring victory, as Gov. JB Pritzker and State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) met Thursday night at Illinois State University in Normal. Nexstar Broadcasting put on the debate, airing on tee vee stations that included WMBD Channel 31 in Peoria and…… MORE
Annual meeting of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Bipartisanship was practically oozing at the Illinois Chamber of Commerce annual meeting Thursday. House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweaked chamber president / CEO Todd Maisch just a little. “I want to remind folks I distinctly remember Todd offering some praise for the work that we did on our state budget,…… MORE
In the wake of fraternity vandalism, ISU PRIDE calls for action
By 25 News NORMAL – Last week, a fraternity at Illinois State University spray painted anti-LGBTQ profanity on other Greek homes, causing a reaction from students and the school. “Any kind of act of vandalism is something that we don’t condone and certainly the derogatory statements that are printed out against other communities is something…… MORE
Proposed rail merger has the attention of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – With U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) in Springfield for the ribbon-cutting of a massive rail project, it was only apt for reporters to ask him about the proposed merger of two railroads, Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern. “We’re concerned about the impact of this merger on the communities next…… 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…