By Neil Doyle NORMAL – Illinois State University’s Redbird Arena will soon be getting a new name. ISU’s governing board will vote Friday on a naming rights and sponsorship agreement to rename Redbird Arena to “CEFCU Arena.” CEFCU will pay ISU athletics approximately $3.1 million over ten years for the naming rights for Redbird Arena,…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – They’re no Founding Fathers, but Illinois judges and lawyers are signing onto their own Declaration of Independence – judicial independence! Since they really cannot campaign on issues, they want to do more to set themselves apart from the mudslinging of other races – something that’s not happening now. “These partisan-driven…… MORE
For the first time this winter, boys and girls basketball could use a shot clock in tournaments or shootouts.… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health says it’s time to get your annual flu shot. Now that people are out and about and most aren’t wearing a mask anymore, flu activity will likely pick up this year says IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. He recommends getting both the flu vaccine…… MORE
By 25 News NORMAL – The recall of nearly every electric vehicle made so far at the Rivian plant in Normal caused the company’s share price to fall sharply Monday. Late Friday night, the electric truck and SUV maker said it is recalling more than 12,000 vehicles with issues that could affect the steering control. Specifically, a…… MORE
As the cleanup effort continues from Hurricane Ian in Florida, the Midwest Food Bank is sending supplies to those in need.… MORE
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
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
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
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
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…