By WJBC Staff and 25 News NORMAL – Illinois State University President Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy outlined the future steps for the university during the school’s annual State of the University speech. One of those new plans is to hire a Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer to be the center point of collaboration and creative…… MORE
SAFE-T Act, eliminating cash bail, goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023
Illinois’ elimination of cash bail at the first of the year is stirring up political debate across the state.… MORE
Illinois State Fair sets new records
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – This year’s Illinois State Fair set some new records. Nearly 637,000 people visited the State Fair Springfield last month, an all time record says spokesperson Krista Lisser. She says the gorgeous weather was a big factor. “We also had great family entertainment,” said Lisser. “While it all depends on the…… MORE
Illinois farmers are beginning to pull the corn out of the fields
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 6.1 days suitable for field work during the week ending September 18, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 68.2 degrees, 1.6 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.50 inches, 0.35 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 10 percent very short, 14 percent short, 61 percent adequate, and 15…… MORE
‘Active’ investigation into crash that critically injured 2 ISU students
By 25 News NORMAL – No criminal charges have been filed so far against a driver who struck two Illinois State University students from Plainfield, critically injuring them outside a popular bar near campus last week. Meantime, a classmate of the two victims has organized a GoFundMe page to help their families with medical bills and other…… MORE
UPDATE: Normal Police release more details on weekend shooting
By WJBC Staff NORMAL – Normal Police are releasing more details regarding a man who died from gunshot wounds early Sunday morning. After a preliminary autopsy report from the McLean County Coroner’s Office, it was determined the 29-year-old man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident happened around 3:40 a.m. Sunday in the 200…… MORE
Former state’s attorney elevated to judge in 11th Judicial Circuit
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – There’s a new judge in McLean County as former state’s attorney Don Knapp became the newest judge of the Illinois Eleventh Judicial Circuit, which also includes Woodford, Logan, and Livingston Counties. Knapp took his oath in front of more than 100 family, friends and fellow judges — at the McLean…… MORE
Man dead after fatal hotel shooting in Normal
By 25 News NORMAL – Police are investigating a deadly shooting that happened at a Twin Cities hotel. According to a release from Normal Police, officers responded to a person shot at the Candlewood Suites on Susan Drive around 3:40 a.m. Sunday. There, they found a man in the parking lot, where they rendered aid.…… MORE
Central Catholic uses big second half to topple Monticello in Illini Prairie Conference action
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The Saints are marching to 3-1 in the Illini Prairie Conference after a 42-28 win over Monticello in Week 4 of the high school football season. Colin Hayes was the catalyst for Central Catholic, as the junior quarterback was responsible for five touchdowns, two through the air and three on…… MORE
First woman named to serve as McLean County State’s Attorney
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – A local lawyer made history Thursday evening when she was selected to become the first woman to hold the office of McLean County State’s Attorney. Erika Reynolds has been an assistant McLean County prosecutor since 2015, and has led the office’s Crimes Against Children division in which she’s handled some…… 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…