By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Native American groups made their concerns known during what was described as a first-of-its kind summit with state lawmakers at the Capitol Wednesday. The most prominent topic at a news conference – which featured a traditional chant – was the story of Nimkii Curley, whom Evanston Township High School kept…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Being the first woman to lead a caucus of the Illinois House of Representatives may be an important thing, but House Minority Leader-elect Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) says it’s not the only thing. “I was the first female mayor in Savanna, so this is not a first for me, but I…… MORE
By 25 News NORMAL – Wednesday was the first board meeting for McLean County’s largest school district after its tax referendum failed last week. Potentially, up on the chopping block are electives, school buildings and increased class sizes. Superintendent Kristen Weikle wants to know why almost 54% of voters said no to an increased annual tax rate…… MORE
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington Police say one person was wounded in a shooting late Wednesday night in a mobile home park on the city’s south side. A building was hit by gunfire on the city’s east about 90 minutes before that, but police don’t know now of any connection. Police said they were…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The renovation of the north wing of the state Capitol has pushed out the senators. Tuesday marked not only the start of the 2022 veto session; it was also the first day of a nearly 2 ½ -year stay in the adjacent Howlett Building. A deteriorating auditorium received a massive…… MORE
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office has filed a felony charge alleging worker’s compensation fraud against a county correctional officer. In a release, McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage says that officer is Ryan Hitch, 48. He is alleged to have intentionally made false or fraudulent material statements or material representations…… MORE
A bill would make the punishment for fentanyl manufacturing and distributing more severe. But it faces an uncertain fate in an environment in which supermajority Democrats are reluctant to expand penalties.… MORE
McLean County prosecutors are charging two Bloomington residents with multiple weapon charges.… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – With the Illinois General Assembly back at the Capitol Tuesday, House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) lays out his expectation for one of the big issues, the “Safe-T Act.” A key provision of that package, which passed almost two years ago, is the end of cash bail Jan. 1. Police and…… MORE
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.8 days suitable for field work during the week ending November 13, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 46.4 degrees, 3.8 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.11 inches, 0.61 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 11 percent very short, 17 percent short, 71 percent adequate, and 1…… MORE
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.” …
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…
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…
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…