By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – It was a night to forget for the University High Pioneers as Sacred Heart Griffin came to the Twin Cities and picked up a 49-7 win. The number one team in Class 4A shutout the Pioneers 41-0 through the third quarter, before U-High was able to strike for it’s first…… MORE
Ft. Myers resident: “These buildings are leveled”
Florida residents are beginning to see the storm damage from category 4 Hurricane Ian.… MORE
Heartland breaks ground on new manufacturing and technology training facility
By WJBC Staff NORMAL – Heartland Community College on Thursday broke ground on its new 45,000 square foot facility to support advanced manufacturing technology training. Heartland staff were joined by members from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Affairs, local officials, and industry leaders for the ceremony. The $17 million facility will include new…… MORE
Illinois House speaker backs Safe-T Act
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The speaker of the Illinois House said Wednesday his political opponents want to sow fear and spread misinformation. Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) told the City Club of Chicago that the elimination of cash bail, effective Jan. 1, is a good thing. “Those who want to repeat the Safe-T Act, ask…… MORE
Former Illinois Governor endorses Brady
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Former Gov. Jim Edgar rarely endorses candidates anymore. The Republican lawmaker going for another of Edgar’s old jobs – secretary of state – is an exception. “Realistically,” Edgar told a crowded room at a Republican campaign office near the Capitol Thursday, State Rep. “Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) has the best chance…… MORE
Early voting underway in McLean County
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Early voting for the November 8 election is underway across the state of Illinois. Here in McLean County, early voting is being offered for all residents at Eastland Mall. Bloomington residents can also early vote at the Bloomington Election Commission office at 121 N. Main Street in Downtown Bloomington. All…… MORE
Prominent local firms reach deal including sale of key Bloomington property
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington-based insurance company COUNTRY Financial is selling its Financial Services Building on the Twin-Cities’ east side to agricultural cooperative GROWMARK. The Financial Services facility at 1705 Towanda Avenue will become GROWMARK’s new headquarters, according to a news release. The sale is expected to be completed later this year. COUNTRY Financial…… MORE
Raoul following the argument over the Equal Rights Amendment
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The state’s lawyer-in-chief is following the argument over the Equal Rights Amendment all the way to Washington, D.C. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul watched oral arguments in a federal appeals court Wednesday and afterward said the ERA belongs in the Constitution: “There is no time limit on equality.” Raoul said…… MORE
Trailblazing justice passes the torch to another
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – The torch was passed in Bloomington Wednesday from one trailblazing jurist to another. The McLean County Law and Justice Center was the scene where outgoing Illinois Supreme Court Justice Rita Garman met with the public, accompanied by her chosen successor, Justice Lisa Holder White. McLean County is part of District 4, they region…… MORE
McLean County is facing a significant housing crunch in a booming local economy
Due to a booming local economy, McLean County finds itself in a housing shortage.… 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…