Features

McLean County

Sensible salting tips for the upcoming winter snow season

Updated: Oct. 23, 2026 at 9:58 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

As winter approaches, the organization is encouraging municipalities and residents to reduce unnecessary salt use to prevent further contamination.

Peoria News

Chuck Brown participates in Job and Resource Fair at Peoria's Riverplex Recreation and...

CJ Harvest owner Chuck Brown looks for employees during Job and Resource Fair

Updated: Oct. 23, 2026 at 9:53 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

Brown said he has already hired eight employees to assist customers when the store opens, although the previously announced Oct. 30 grand opening has been pushed back.

Tazewell County

Renderings of new Fire Station in the Village of Morton. Courtesy: Fire Chief Justin Hale

Village of Morton approves borrowing $7.5M as construction begins on new fire station

Updated: Oct. 22, 2026 at 7:34 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

Construction is underway on a new fire station in Morton after the Village Board approved $7.5 million in borrowing to finance the project this week.

News

Miller Park Zoo shares its conservation efforts with the community.

Eco-Watch: Conservation of the Monarch Butterfly

Updated: Oct. 22, 2026 at 1:55 PM CDT

By Humberto Giles-Sanchez

25News' Eco-Watch heads back to Miller Park Zoo for a look at its Monarch Butterfly conservation efforts.

Tazewell County

Metamora, Creve Coeur look to expand business development

Updated: Oct. 22, 2026 at 8:20 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

East Peoria has already purchased the land on Route 24 and Centennial Drive to expand housing development, while Metamora is developing housing, and possible business development, on 135 acres on Route 116.

Election 2026

The lobby of the Peoria Election Commission Office, where early voting for the Consolidated...

Voters in three Peoria County townships to weigh in on Illinois pension investment restrictions

Updated: Oct. 21, 2026 at 7:00 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

A “yes” vote would indicate support for lawmakers backing legislation to remove the investment restrictions, while a “no” vote would indicate opposition to that proposal.

Honor Flight

Veterans take off for 4th Greater Peoria Honor Flight of 2026

Updated: Oct. 20, 2026 at 8:36 AM CDT

By Jason Howell

Veterans and their guardians are in the air for the fourth Greater Peoria Honor Flight of the year, and the 41st flight for the organization.

Peoria News

New 37-acre Peoria Solar Energy Center. Courtesy: Ameren Illinois

$20M solar energy center completed in northwest Peoria

Updated: Oct. 16, 2026 at 10:37 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

The newly energized Peoria Solar Energy Center, located on the city’s northwest side, spans 37-acres along Prichard Road.

News

OSF Healthcare doctors explain Pope Leo XIV’s cancer diagnosis; encourage early testing

Updated: Oct. 15, 2026 at 10:16 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

Although finding a lung nodule does not necessarily mean someone has cancer, doctors say appropriate follow-up testing can help determine whether further evaluation or treatment is needed.

Peoria County

Peoria County Zoning Board of Appeals recommends denial of commercial wind project

Updated: Oct. 15, 2026 at 8:13 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

The Peoria County Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-2 Wednesday to recommend denying a special use permit for a proposed commercial wind farm in northwestern Peoria County.

10 Day Forecast

Bloomington-Normal News

Bloomington voters will see an advisory question on data centers on November ballot

Updated: Oct. 14, 2026 at 8:28 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

Those who live in the City of Bloomington will see an advisory question on data centers with their November ballot, but that is not to be confused with the recent proposed data center rules.

Honor Flight

Peoria area preparing for 4th Greater Peoria Honor Flight of 2026

Updated: Oct. 14, 2026 at 8:19 AM CDT

By Morgan Kjornes

The Peoria area is getting ready to fly dozens of veterans to Washington, D.C. to tour the monuments made in their honor.

Tazewell County

Tazewell County school districts challenged over tax referendum messaging

Updated: Oct. 13, 2026 at 9:33 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

The Illinois Policy Institute is questioning how 17 Tazewell County school districts have promoted a proposed 1% countywide school facilities sales tax ahead of the Nov. 3 election

Tazewell County

Tazewell County Zoning Board moves to recommend 9-month data center moratorium

Updated: Oct. 8, 2026 at 7:19 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

The Tazewell County Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously Tuesday night to recommend a nine-month moratorium on data center development during a public hearing.

Illinois Capitol

New law protects victims of domestic violence against debt coercion

Updated: Oct. 7, 2026 at 8:28 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

House Bill 4659, a bipartisan measure passed by Illinois lawmakers earlier this year, amends the Consumer Installment Loan Act to establish a legal defense for survivors whose debts were incurred through fraud, intimidation, threats, force or coercion.

Peoria News

Central Illinois sees increase in homelessness, Dream Center Peoria adapts

Updated: Oct. 7, 2026 at 11:12 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

Dream Center Peoria saw record demand this summer, with 176 people seeking shelter, which they say was the most the organization has seen during the summer months.

Bishop Sheen: Journey to Sainthood

Bishop Louis Tylka of Peoria, Illinois, and Msgr. Jason Gray, the executive director of the...

Catholic Diocese of Peoria leaders present Blessed Sheen relic to Pope Leo XIV

Updated: Oct. 7, 2026 at 6:36 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

Bishop Louis Tylka and Monsignor Jason Gray traveled to the Vatican Monday, presenting Pope Leo XIV with a relic of Sheen’s fingertip on behalf of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria.

Tazewell County

Midwest Food Bank's renderings of a new 20,000 square foot addition in Morton

Midwest Food Bank in Morton breaks ground on $6 million expansion

Updated: Oct. 6, 2026 at 11:29 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

"Midwest Food Bank was founded in Central Illinois. So, to do this here, it’s very special..."

Bishop Sheen: Journey to Sainthood

First ever 'Sheen Awards' hosted at the Peoria Civic Center on Sept. 25.

Winners of first ever ‘Sheen Awards’ announced

Updated: Oct. 6, 2026 at 9:12 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

The inaugural Sheen Awards brought prominent Catholic figures from media, entertainment and evangelization to Peoria to honor those carrying Blessed Fulton J. Sheen’s legacy into a new generation.

Peoria News

Antique cars shown at the new America 250 exhibition: Transportation Revolutions: How America...

How America Moves: Peoria Riverfront Museum opens transportation exhibit

Updated: Oct. 2, 2026 at 10:52 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

The Peoria Riverfront Museum is welcoming visitors to its largest exhibit about transportation, marking America’s 250th birthday.

Peoria News

Ex-cabinet member-lawmaker LaHood sees ‘enormous’ interest in proposed Peoria passenger rail

Updated: Oct. 2, 2026 at 8:38 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

Former U.S. Transportation Secretary and Central Illinois Congressman Ray LaHood brought Peoria Passenger Rail back into the spotlight on Friday in an exclusive interview with 25News.

Peoria News

FILE- A cannabis plant that is close to harvest grows in a grow room at the Greenleaf Medical...

Peoria weighing how to regulate cannabis dispensaries offering drive-thru, curbside pickup

Updated: Oct. 2, 2026 at 7:56 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

The city is weighing how to regulate drive-through cannabis sales after a new state law opened the door for dispensaries offering drive-thru and curbside pickup.

Peoria News

Visitor tries out a machinery at the new Construction Technology Gallery at the Caterpillar...

Caterpillar celebrates Manufacturing Month with new Construction Technology Gallery

Updated: Oct. 2, 2026 at 8:52 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

The new gallery, titled “Building the Future,” focuses on using technology to solve challenges in the work field.

McLean County

First-ever Community Solar Farm in Illinois operating in McLean County

Updated: Oct. 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

PureSky Energy and Ecology Action Center announced their McLean 1 Community Solar project has reached full operation. The 1.98-megawatt direct current solar farm is PureSky’s first project to launch in Illinois.

Bloomington-Normal News

Renderings of future Empire Flats in Bloomington / Courtesy: Empire Flats

A new 210-unit hotel-inspired apartment community coming to Bloomington in 2027

Updated: Oct. 1, 2026 at 8:53 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

Empire Flats, located at 1312 E. Empire St., is expected to open in 2027. The development will include seven buildings with studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment options.

Bloomington-Normal News

Rivian named statewide ‘Innovator of the Year’ by the Illinois Economic Development Corporation

Updated: Sep. 30, 2026 at 9:22 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

“On behalf of everyone at Rivian, I am honored to accept this award from our partners at Illinois EDC,” Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe said in a statement from Illinois EDC.

Peoria News

A student asks questions at OSF HealthCare's fall nursing professional career fair.

OSF HealthCare hosts fall nursing career fair for Central Illinois students

Updated: Sep. 29, 2026 at 9:31 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

While hospitals continue to look for nurses, OSF's career fair also gave students a chance to learn about nursing positions they may not have previously considered.

Health News

Are you protected? Peoria health official urges measles vaccine check

Updated: Sep. 28, 2026 at 5:06 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

Some of the signs and symptoms of measles include high fever, runny nose, red eyes, and/or a cough. most people also develop a rash that can start from the head to the entire body.

Election 2026

McLean County election judges wait for voters

Early voting in McLean County sees highest turnout ever

Updated: Sep. 28, 2026 at 4:58 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa and Jack Bozikis

Kathy Michael, county clerk for McLean County, said that last Thursday and Friday were the busiest in her 16 years in office.

News

The Mid Century Modernist Architectural Home Tour will start at the art center near downtown...

Tour through architectural history in the twin cities

Updated: Sep. 26, 2026 at 1:29 PM CDT

By Humberto Giles-Sanchez

A tour through mid modernist architecture is taking place in Bloomington-Normal.

Bishop Sheen: Journey to Sainthood

Sisters of OSF St. Francis and OSF Healthcare System at the first-ever Sheen Awards Gala in...

First-ever Sheen Awards Gala brought international Catholic figures to Peoria

Updated: Sep. 26, 2026 at 12:26 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

Friday’s gala focused on another significant part of Sheen’s legacy: his use of media to share the Catholic faith.

Bishop Sheen: Journey to Sainthood

Sister from Notre Dame High School in Peoria meets with two students.

Central Illinois parishes, schools share in the excitement for Sheen’s beatification

Updated: Sep. 23, 2026 at 6:16 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

Hundreds of Central Illinois parishioners are preparing for their pilgrimage to St. Louis for the Beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.

Bishop Sheen: Journey to Sainthood

Pilgrim from Michigan looks at relics at the Sheen Museum in Peoria.

Pilgrims travel to Peoria ahead to discover Fulton Sheen’s roots

Updated: Sep. 23, 2026 at 5:27 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

According to Discover Peoria, if 50,000 people attend the beatification in St. Louis, about half of them are expected to visit the Sheen museum and his tomb at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Peoria.

Bishop Sheen: Journey to Sainthood

Day 8 of the Novena for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Peoria

Day 8 of Novena for Archbishop Sheen includes prominent cardinal’s appearance

Updated: Sep. 22, 2026 at 11:08 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

Hundreds of Catholics have been gathering at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Peoria

News

The Old Symposium Bookstore at 1311 Southwest Adams St. in Peoria's Warehouse District

Dream becomes reality, as bookstore becomes hidden gem in Peoria

Updated: Sep. 20, 2026 at 5:17 PM CDT

By Humberto Giles-Sanchez

A team of three formed The Old Symposium with the goal to make books accessible to anyone from any walk of life.

Tazewell County

Dozens of vendors sell their wares at UAW hall

Updated: Sep. 20, 2026 at 9:37 AM CDT

By 25News Now

The sale was a fundraiser for a scholarship honoring a former women’s committee member who passed away.

Bishop Sheen: Journey to Sainthood

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood recognizes Archbishop Fulton Sheen on House floor

LaHood recognizes Fulton Sheen on House floor, saying archbishop was ‘one of our own’

Updated: Sep. 18, 2026 at 10:46 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

Ahead of Sheen’s beatification in St. Louis on Thursday, Sept. 24, LaHood recalled Sheen’s Central Illinois roots.

Peoria County

Public hearing to continue later this month on proposed 25,000-acre Peoria County wind farm

Updated: Sep. 18, 2026 at 7:58 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

A public hearing on a massive wind turbine project in northwest Peoria County will continue in late September.

Bishop Sheen: Journey to Sainthood

Brophy sisters share early memories with Archbishop Fulton Sheen. From left to right:...

The Brophy sisters share early memories they shared with Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Updated: Sep. 18, 2026 at 10:01 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

For many faithful Catholics, Archbishop Fulton Sheen is the soon-to-be beatified bishop whose intercession is credited with a miracle. But for the Irish Catholic Brophy family of Peoria, he was like family.

Peoria County

Residents gathered for the first day of a public hearing on a large-scale wind turbine project...

Pros and cons presented as public hearing begins on massive Peoria County wind turbine project

Updated: Sep. 15, 2026 at 6:14 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

A large crowd showed up Monday for the first public hearing on a proposed large-scale commercial wind energy project for northwestern Peoria County.

News

Helping make a difference in people's lives during Hunger Action Month.

Tri County Hunger Action Month initiatives

Updated: Sep. 12, 2026 at 12:40 PM CDT

By Humberto Giles-Sanchez

Helping make a difference in people's lives during Hunger Action Month.

Peoria News

Peoria Riverfront Museum 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

Remembrance ceremony honors Richwoods grad who died on 9/11, leaders recall unified nation

Updated: Sep. 11, 2026 at 8:15 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

Hundreds gathered at the museum on Friday and shared in a moment of silence for 23-year-old Richwoods graduate Charles "Chip" Chan, who died at the World Trade Center 25 years ago.

Peoria News

JOLT Foundation in Peoria responds to changing needs, drug trends

Updated: Sep. 11, 2026 at 8:57 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

The JOLT Foundation in Peoria is seeing a need for change among those struggling with drug and substance use and is now expanding its services to adapt.

Tazewell County

Creve Coeur Interim Chief vows town is safe after police resignations

Illinois State Police confirm investigation into former Creve Coeur chief, deputy

Updated: Sep. 11, 2026 at 8:35 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

According to court records from the Peoria County Circuit Court, an order of protection was filed against former Village of Creve Coeur Police Chief Justin Egan and a stalking no contact order was filed against former Creve Coeur Deputy Police Chief Dan Nelson by the same person.

As Seen on 25News

Peoria veteran builds, gives away free wheelchairs to fellow service members

Updated: Sep. 10, 2026 at 11:04 AM CDT

By Kayla Johnson

A local veteran and his wife are making sure their fellow service members are never left behind when it comes to mobility.

News

Peoria County Labor Day closures

Updated: Sep. 5, 2026 at 10:12 AM CDT

By Humberto Giles-Sanchez

Labor Day closures in Peoria County.

Features

Central Illinois Humanitarian Group visits sites in Ukraine.

Central Illinois humanitarian team helps build foster village, renovate school in Ukraine

Updated: Sep. 4, 2026 at 9:01 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

Made up of 18 members, most of them from Central Illinois, the team traveled to Ukraine this summer with the goal of helping build a foster village and renovate a school for hundreds of Ukrainian children in Ternopil that had not been upgraded since 1976.

Woodford County

Kim Joos, administrator for Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka, stands next to renderings for...

Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka announces plans for $18M assisted living community

Updated: Sep. 2, 2026 at 6:39 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

The community will include 33 assisted living residences, a new level of care for the home, and 19 dedicated memory care residences.

Peoria News

Next Greater Peoria Honor Flight scheduled for Sept. 8

Updated: Sep. 1, 2026 at 11:29 PM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

The 40th Greater Peoria Honor Flight is around the corner on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Health News

International Overdose Awareness Day / FILE

JOLT Foundation holds space for International Overdose Awareness Day

Updated: Sep. 1, 2026 at 8:47 AM CDT

By Angeles Ponpa

Peoria expert on drug intervention reminds people that overdose impacts people from across the globe, especially in the United States, and to have a day of remembrance for those who have passed is in important.