By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The Republicans for governor and attorney general in Illinois picked up some police union endorsements Monday. The Chicago and state Fraternal Order of Police are backing Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) for governor. “If you think crime in Illinois is bad now,” said Bailey, “what in the world is it going…… MORE
Governor picks criminal justice instructor to serve on ISU’s governing board
By 25 News NORMAL – Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday announced he’s naming an Illinois State University graduate to fill one of the vacant positions on the school’s governing board. The Illinois Senate has yet to confirm Anthony Byrd’s appointment to ISU’s Board of Trustees. Byrd is an adjunct criminal justice instructor for Lindenwood University…… MORE
Normal moves closer to referendum on creating council districts instead of at-large seats
By 25 News NORMAL – A group called “Citizens for a Better Normal” claims to have gathered enough signatures from residents to place a referendum on the November ballot that would create district representation on the town council. Group members said they filed a petition Monday signed by almost 2,200 people to put the issue…… MORE
Weekly USDA crop report
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.5 days suitable for field work during the week ending August 7, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 78.6 degrees, 4.9 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.50 inches, 0.60 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 8 percent very short, 16 percent short, 58 percent adequate, and 18…… MORE
Jury seated in Clifford Brewer murder trial
Opening statements begin Tuesday in Livingston County for the man charged in a 2019 triple murder in Cullom, Illinois.… MORE
Otter at Miller Park Zoo dies
A North American River Otter at Miller Park Zoo died on Monday.… MORE
Republican candidate for Governor Darren Bailey finds police endorsements in Chicago
By Jake Fogal CHICAGO – The Republicans for governor and attorney general in Illinois picked up some police union endorsements today (Monday). Dave Dahl reports. The Chicago and state Fraternal Order of Police are backing Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) for governor. “If you think crime in Illinois is bad now,” said Bailey, “what in the…… MORE
Average gas costs in Illinois drop for eighth consecutive week
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Gas prices are still high across Illinois, but the average price declined 22.2 cents over the week, sitting at $4.39 a gallon. According to GasBuddy, prices in Illinois are 81.7 cents lower than a month ago and $1.05 higher than a year ago. GasBuddy price reports show the cheapest station…… MORE
18-year-old man injured after shooting in Normal
By 25 News NORMAL – Normal Police say an 18-year-old man was injured after being shot when he left a party at an apartment complex. Sgt. Brad Underwood confirmed the victim was shot three times after leaving a party at 9 Traders Circle in Normal. He was shot twice in the leg and he was…… MORE
Two displaced after Bloomington mobile home fire
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – Two people were displaced after a mobile home caught on fire Sunday morning in Bloomington. Just after 9:00 a.m., Bloomington firefighters responded to 15 Harry Drive for a report of a mobile home fire with possible occupants still trapped. Crews quickly searched the home and determined no one was trapped.…… 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…