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Articles by John Kendall
First drive: BYD Atto 2 DM-i
BYD now offers a plug-in hybrid alternative in the Atto range. Meet the Atto 2. By John Kendall. What is it? Five-seat plug-in hybrid SUV How much? From £26,995 OTR CO2 emissions? 33g/km (Active) or 13g/km (Boost) Combined mpg: 55 mpg (WLTP combined) If you find BYD model names a little confusing – not all Dolphins are the same and that is also true of the Seals – then you might find the Atto 2 (not to be confused with the Atto 3) a little easier to get your head around.
First drive: BYD Atto 2 DM-i
BYD now offers a plug-in hybrid alternative in the Atto range. Meet the Atto 2. By John Kendall. What is it? Five-seat plug-in hybrid SUV How much? From £26,995 OTR CO2 emissions? 33g/km (Active) or 13g/km (Boost) Combined mpg: 55 mpg (WLTP combined) This slideshow requires JavaScript.
First Drive: Mazda CX-5
In 2012, CX-5 began Mazda’s Skyactiv revolution. Two generations on, it competes in a different fleet market. By John Kendall. WHAT IS IT? Five-seat mild hybrid SUV HOW MUCH? From £31,550 OTR CO2 EMISSIONS 157-169g/km Combined mpg: 37.2-40.4mpg (WLTP Combined) Mazda CX-5 was quick to grab a slice of the five-seat SUV market when it first appeared in 2012 and kept customers who were attracted to its reliability, comfort and neat design through the second generation.
Repeating Crises, Redundant Solutions: Toward a Political-Industrial Ecology of the Hydrogen Fix
Abstract Many industrial and commercial activities, such as steelmaking, fertilizer synthesis, and aviation, remain difficult to electrify. This limits the ability of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to fully decarbonize the global economy. Recently, the adoption of hydrogen as an energy carrier has been proposed as a way of greening these otherwise hard-to-decarbonize activities. Whether this hydrogen fix will work remains unclear.
Peoria man arrested after alleged late night kidnapping, home invasion
PEORIA (25News Now) - A Peoria man faces preliminary kidnapping and home invasion charges after allegedly taking a woman from a home against her will. It all began just before 11 p.m. Wednesday at home on North Linn Street on a report of an armed robbery. When officers arrived, they learned from witnesses 25-year-old Rodrick Adams had entered the home with a firearm and taking a woman from the home against her will.
$5 million winning Mega Millions ticket sold in Minonk
MINONK (25News Now) - If you recently stopped at the Road Ranger gas station in Minonk, and bought a Mega Millions ticket, check your numbers. You may have won $5 million. Illinois Lottery officials announced Wednesday that a ticket sold at the station off of Interstate 39 in Woodford County matched five numbers in the July 28th drawing. The ticket was worth $1 million, but with a multiplier, it ended up being worth $5 million.
465 Miles for the Kids: St. Jude Runners Leave Memphis for Peoria
MEMPHIS, TN (25News Now) - For the 45th year, runners laced up their running shoes to run 465 miles from Memphis, Tennessee to Peoria, Illinois. It is all part of the annual St. Jude Runs, raising money for St. Jude Research Hospital. Runners took off around 11 a.m. Wednesday from St. Jude Memorial Affiliate in Memphis, Tennessee, beginning their annual trek. They will reach Peoria just in time for the 49th annual St. Jude Telethon.
Back to School with Peoria Public Schools
PEORIA (25News Now) - On 25News Midday Wednesday, new Peoria Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Dr. Renee Andrews joined RaShaun Haynes in studio. During the interview, Dr. Andrews spoke on numerous topics, including the administration’s message to parents, students, and staff, and what are the biggest things they should make sure are taken care of before the first bell on August 5.
Teen arrested for Monday Night Hit and Run in Peoria
PEORIA (25News Now) - A 16-year-old was arrested and released to the custody of a parent after allegedly being involved in a hit-and-run incident Monday night. Just before 7:30 p.m., Peoria Police were called to North Great Oak Drive on a report of a hit-and-run. There, they found a five-year-old child, who was hit by a vehicle while riding his E-Bike. His injuries were minor, and he was taken to the hospital to be checked out. Police later identified a 16-year-old male as the suspect.
Kids get Muddy Raising Money for St. Jude
MORTON (25News Now) - Hundreds of kids got a chance to get all muddy this weekend, all for a good cause. Despite the heat, the 16th annual Kids Muddy Madness took place Saturday at Veterans Park in Morton. It is all part of the Morton to Peoria St. Jude Run. There, kids from ages 2 to 17 go to run an obstacle course, all while raising money to help fellow kids that are battling childhood cancer. There was also face painting, food, balloons, and characters being made as well.
State Lawmakers React to the Passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham
(25News Now) - Illinois State Lawmakers are reacting to the sudden death of South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. Graham’s death was announced early Sunday morning on social media. He was 71 years old. Since his death, both national and world leaders have sent their condolences and remembrances of Graham. That includes those from Illinois who served in Congress with the Senator.
Central Illinois Star-Spangled Sing-Off competition winner announced
EAST PEORIA (25News Now) - Submissions have been coming in since May, and Central Illinois has been voting on them since the beginning of June. And on 25News Midday Thursday, we announce the winner. Jennifer Gibson of Heyworth is the winner of the Central Illinois Star-Spangled Sing-Off Competition. Voting for the regional round will open shortly. Watch the performances and vote for your regional favorite by clicking here. You can vote once per email per day.
State baseball championship, turkey fest gives Tremont plenty to celebrate
CHAMPAIGN (25News Now) - Central Illinois was assured of a Class 1A state baseball championship - either the Tremont or Putnam County Panthers - heading into Saturday’s title game in Champaign. The first-place trophy will reside in the Tazewell County village of Tremont after the Turks shut out the Panthers 10-0. Tremont scored three runs in the first, five runs in the second, and two runs in the third in a game that lasted five innings.
Dixon woman dies in Interstate 39 crash
WOODFORD CO., Ill. (WIFR/25NewsNow) - The Woodford County Coroner identified 49-year-old Lulije Cosentino, of Dixon, as the victim of a two-vehicle crash Wednesday morning. The crash happened around 9:45 a.m., June 10, at mile marker 22 of Interstate 39 Southbound, near Minonk. Cosentino was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner said it appeared her vehicle was rear-ended. An autopsy and toxicology studies will be conducted.
Dixon woman dies in Interstate 39 crash
WOODFORD COUNTY (25News Now) - The Woodford County Coroner identified a 49-year-old Dixon woman who died after a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 39 Wednesday morning. Coroner Tim Ruestman said Lulije Cosentino was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash happened at mile marker 22 of Interstate 39 Southbound near Minonk around 9:45 a.m. Wednesday. Ruestman added it appeared Cosentino’s vehicle was rear-ended. An autopsy will be conducted, along with toxicology studies.
6-week program aims to empower Peoria boys through mentorship, arts
By John Kendall PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – A Summer Youth Initiative, focused on leadership, arts, and violence prevention, has been launched in Peoria. ART Inc.’s Save Our Sons is a six-week youth empowerment and violence prevention initiative designed to support boys and young men of color in grades 4-12 throughout the Peoria area.
6-week program aims to empower Peoria boys through mentorship, arts
PEORIA (25News Now) - A Summer Youth Initiative, focused on leadership, arts, and violence prevention, has been launched in Peoria. ART Inc.’s Save Our Sons is a six-week youth empowerment and violence prevention initiative designed to support boys and young men of color in grades 4-12 throughout the Peoria area.
Emotions overflow during Greater Peoria Honor Flight homecoming
PEORIA (25News Now) - Central Illinois Veterans got a heroes’ welcome Tuesday night after their Honor Flight. More than 70 veterans were welcomed by friends, family, loved ones, and fellow service members and veterans at the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport. It was the end of an emotional day in Washington, D.C., when veterans toured monuments built in their honor. One veteran said the welcome home was his favorite part of the day.
Swatting incident confirmed at Bloomington Junior High following false active shooter report
BLOOMINGTON (25News Now) - Bloomington Police said an active shooter report at Bloomington Junior High School on Friday afternoon was a swatting incident. Officers said they were called to the school at 2 p.m. Friday, but did not find any threat. Police added that no students were inside the building, as the previous day was their last day. However, some school staff members were on site during the incident.
Third person dies from injuries sustained in Weekend Multiple Vehicle Crash
MCLEAN COUNTY (25News Now) - A third person has died as a result of a multiple vehicle crash in rural McLean County. The accident happened around 3 p.m. Sunday at the intersection of Route 9 and 2600 East Road in Cooksville. Coroner Dr. Kathleen Yoder said 58-year-old Beth Brucker of Ellsworth and 82-year-old Hui-Lan Chen Chiang of Millbrae, California both died from multiple blunt force injuries.
Bloomington Police investigate Saturday night shooting
BLOOMINGTON (25News Now) - A Bloomington man is in the hospital after he was shot Saturday night inside a Bloomington apartment complex. According to police, it happened at 11:15 p.m. Saturday night on Four Seasons Road. When officers arrived, they said they found a man with a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital with what was described as potentially life-threatening.
Man dies in early morning Woodford County fire
EAST PEORIA (25News Now) - One man is dead after an early morning fire in East Peoria, according to the Woodford County Coroner’s Office. Coroner Tim Ruestman said emergency crews were called to a home on Surrey Lane around 2:15 a.m. Wednesday. There, first responders found the home completely engulfed in flames. The man was found after the fire was put out.
Nearly 100 pounds of meth seized during I-74 traffic stop near Bloomington
BLOOMINGTON (25News Now) - A Madison, Wisconsin, man is in the McLean County jail for methamphetamine trafficking. Illinois State Police said they pulled over 25-year-old Ivan Kuckuk just before 1 p.m. Monday on eastbound I-74, just outside of Bloomington. During a search of the vehicle, multiple packages of suspected meth were found. They weighed nearly 100 pounds and had a street value of almost $500,000, police said. Kuckuk was arrested and is awaiting his first court appearance.
Nearly 100 pounds of meth seized during I-74 traffic stop near Bloomington
BLOOMINGTON (25News Now) - A Madison, Wisconsin, man is in the McLean County jail for methamphetamine trafficking. Illinois State Police said they pulled over 25-year-old Ivan Kuckuk just before 1 p.m. Monday on eastbound I-74, just outside of Bloomington. During a search of the vehicle, multiple packages of suspected meth were found. They weighed nearly 100 pounds and had a street value of almost $500,000, police said. Kuckuk was arrested and is awaiting his first court appearance.
Arrest made after Granville bank robbery
GRANVILLE (25News Now) - A Granville man is in the Putnam County jail, after being arrested following a robbery at the Granville National Bank Monday. Granville Police Chief Michael Padilla says they were called to the bank on McCoy Street just after 3 p.m. Monday. During the robbery, Padilla said a knife was displayed, and cash was taken from bank tellers. Evidence related to the robbery was also recovered.
Multiple departments tackle industrial fire at Pontiac Caterpillar facility
PONTIAC (25News Now) - It is unclear what caused a fire Monday at the Caterpillar facility in Pontiac Monday evening, according to the area’s fire department. The blaze broke out just after 6 p.m. Monday involving one of the machines on the facility’s south side, crews said in a press release. Multiple departments were called in, as everyone was evacuated from the facility safely.
Peoria man dies after vehicle hits him in East Peoria
EAST PEORIA (25News Now) - A Peoria man is dead after a vehicle hit him near Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino in East Peoria on Thursday, according to Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood. Harwood said 42-year-old Ryan Smith was taken to OSF St. Francis Medical Center unresponsive and in critical condition. He died around 4:45 p.m. Friday afternoon, the coroner confirmed.
Sure sign of spring: Emo’s is open for the season
PEORIA (25News Now) - Peorians - spring is here, Emo’s is open for the season. Crowds gathered at 6 a.m. Wednesday for the opening of the Peoria staple, with everything half-off. As in previous openings, Emo’s donated proceeds between 6-10 a.m. to the Susan G. Komen Memorial Affiliate. One customer said Emo’s is a special place for the community.
French Canyon access at Starved Rock closed for improvement project
LASALLE COUNTY (25News Now) - A popular trail allowing access to French Canyon at Starved Rock State Park will be closed through June due to ongoing trail improvement projects, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced on Monday. Closures include the trailhead access to the top of French Canyon, the trails from the Starved Rock Lodge parking lot, and the trail leading to French Canyon from behind the visitor center. That includes parts of Brown Bluff and Campanula Trails.
Storm warning system damaged by lightning in Livingston County village
LIVINGSTON COUNTY (25News Now) - The siren-whistle storm warning system in the Livingston County Village of Flanagan is not working after the fire station was hit by lightning on Friday, fire officials said. In a Facebook post, the Flanagan-Graymont Fire Department said the lightning strike caused damage to many electrical devices, including the transmitter for the system. Despite “extensive” efforts, repairs weren’t possible prior to Tuesday expected storm, the fire department said.
Peoria woman sentenced for stealing vehicle from elderly man
PEORIA (25News Now) - A Peoria woman is sentenced to 12 years in prison for stealing a car from a 66-year-old man last July. The 12-year sentence for 33-year-old Taccara Dear was the maximum possible as part of a plea deal reached last November. The Peoria County State’s Attorney’s Office argued during Friday’s sentencing for the maximum sentencing, saying Dear had been disrespectful during court proceedings and failed to take responsibility for her actions.
Pekin man sentenced in online child solicitation sting
PEORIA (25News Now) - A Pekin man is sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to indecent solicitation of a child, according to the Peoria County State’s Attorney’s office. Thirty-nine-year-old Dominic Figurski was arrested after a three-day undercover sting operation. From Jan. 23-26, 2024, Figurski communicated with a Chillicothe police officer posing as an underage female through the social media app KIK.
2026 Official Home Show set to begin at Peoria Civic Center
PEORIA (25News Now) - It is a sure sign of Spring as the Official Spring Home Show kicks off Friday at the Peoria Civic Center. The annual Home Show is a one stop shopping experience of any housing or lawn project enthusiasts want to tackle this year. It is the largest gathering of home products and service experts folks will find in all of Central Illinois. Visitors can also talk to a business that could do that project for or with them.
Woodford County Sheriff searches for man who allegedly left crash scene
WOODFORD COUNTY (25News Now) - The Woodford County Sheriff is asking for the public’s help to find someone who left an accident. In a post on Facebook, the Sheriff’s Office said Shawn Seward left the scene of an crash at Tazewood Road and the Washington Blacktop early Wednesday morning. He then allegedly crashed his vehicle at Tazewood and Ten Mile Creek Road and later ran from the scene. Anyone who has seen him is asked to call the Woodford County Sheriff’s office at 309-467-2375.
4th man sentenced for Facebook Marketplace robbery
PEORIA (25News Now) - A fourth man is headed to prison after a failed Facebook Marketplace robbery attempt in 2024 that left one of the suspects dead. A judge sentenced 20-year-old Tanarius Kingcade to 21 years in prison on Friday. Kingcade pleaded guilty to the crime in November 2024. He is one of five suspects in a 2024 Facebook Marketplace armed robbery. The incident happened on Jan. 15, 2024, when two people traveled to Peoria to buy a vehicle arranged through Facebook Marketplace.
East Peoria couple arrested, accused of possessing, sharing child porn
EAST PEORIA (25News Now) - East Peoria Police believe a couple of young adults had and distributed child porn in February. According to police, officers opened an investigation into 28-year-old Gage Fandel after a tip indicated he was allegedly distributing child pornography files over the internet. Police interviewed and arrested him on Feb. 11. During the investigation, EPPD added that they developed a cause to interview 28-year-old Kristina Modglin, who was allegedly dating Fandel.
Bloomington Police search for burglary suspect
BLOOMINGTON (25News Now) - Officers with the Bloomington Police Department are looking for someone who broke into the AB Hatchery & Garden Center on East Grove Street. Security camera video posted on the business’ Facebook page showed someone breaking the front glass door and entering the business just before 3 a.m. Thursday. The video showed the suspect then trying to get into what appears to be a cash drawer before moving about the store.
Search continues in 4-year-old Bloomington homicide case
BLOOMINGTON (25News Now) - It has been four years since a deadly shooting in Bloomington, and police continue to search for a suspect. Police were called to an apartment on West Olive Street on Feb. 12, 2022, after getting a report of a fight. There, officers said 20-year-old Dylan Meserole was found dead after being shot. Bloomington Police said the case remains open and unsolved. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Weston Graham at 309-434-2570 or anonymously at Tip 411.
Peoria woman sentenced for deadly 2023 gas station stabbing
PEORIA (25News Now) - A Peoria woman earned 45 years in prison for her role in a deadly 2023 stabbing. 55-year-old Cathy Logan was sentenced Friday and must serve all of her sentence, which came after the assistant state’s attorney’s urging, saying she initiated the deadly confrontation. The incident happened at the Phillips 66 gas station on Western Avenue in Peoria. There, 26-year-old Tana-Zisha Green was murdered.
Police search for suspect after 11-year-old hurt in hit-and-run
PEORIA (25News Now) - An 11-year-old boy is injured after a hit-and-run in Peoria. Peoria Police said it happened around 2:00 p.m. Friday at the intersection of North Gale Avenue and North Douglas Street. Officers were told the boy was riding a scooter in the roadway when he was hit by a tan-colored vehicle. That vehicle left the scene before police arrived. The boy was taken to the hospital with minor leg injuries.
Former Bloomington man released after child grooming indictment
BLOOMINGTON (25News Now) - An Indiana man is out of jail after being arrested following a grooming investigation in Bloomington. 30-year-old Xavier McSwain of Hammond, Indiana was arrested Tuesday by the McLean County Sheriff’s Office. Bloomington Police said McSwain previously resided in Bloomington. Police said the investigation into McSwain started in June 2025 when a community member reported becoming aware of several messages sent by McSwain to a juvenile.
Semi-truck fire slows traffic on Interstate 74 near Morton
MORTON (25News Now) - A semi-trailer fire slowed traffic on portions of Interstate 74 near Morton Tuesday afternoon. Illinois State Police (ISP) said the call came in around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday on I-74 westbound near mile marker 104. That is two miles east of the Morton exit. Illinois State Police adds all westbound lanes are currently shut down at this time as the fire is being put out. No injuries have been reported. No further information has been provided at this time.
Toto to play at Peoria Civic Center in March
PEORIA (25News Now) - The legendary band Toto is coming to Peoria. The Peoria Civic Center announced Tuesday that Toto will stage a tour presenting the band’s “An Evening With” performance. “Steve Lukather and Joseph Williams have curated a new set list for this excursion featuring more than two hours of music nightly with a stop on March 12 at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater in Peoria, IL,” said the announcement.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Program to be launched by Methodist College
PEORIA (25News Now) - Methodist College said Tuesday it is announcing the development of a Certified Register Nurse Anesthetist program, with plans to start in 2027. According to Carle Health, CRNA’s are highly trained clinicians who specialize in giving anesthesia and providing care before, during, and after various types of medical procedures.
CEFCU distributes extraordinary dividend to members
PEORIA (25News Now) - If you are a CEFCU member, check your bank account. An extraordinary dividend was distributed Tuesday to members. The $55 million was approved by CEFCU’s Board of Directors, matching last year’s record of the largest in history. The amount returned to members in good standing is divided between savers and borrowers, with a portion also being returned to debit card users.
Two rescued after early morning bedroom fire
PEORIA (25News Now) - Two elderly people had to be helped from their home after a bedroom caught fire early Tuesday morning. The Peoria Fire Department was called to a building on Northeast Madison around 7:45 a.m. Tuesday. There, they found moderate smoke conditions on the first floor of the home. The fire was quickly put out, and firefighters quickly removed multiple clothes linens outside to be put out. One dog and two cats were removed from the home.
Peoria Public Works prepare for another round of snow
PEORIA (25News Now) - After Saturday’s snow storm, Peoria Public Works are preparing for another round of Winter weather. In a statement, Public Works said they will remain on 12-hour, around-the-clock shifts as they finalize cleaning up from Saturday’s storm. Another round of snow is forecasted to impact Central Illinois Monday afternoon into early Tuesday morning.
Peoria Public Works begin clearing residential streets following snow
PEORIA (25News Now) - Work is now underway to clear residential streets in the City of Peoria. That word came from the Public Works Department in an 8 a.m. Sunday morning update. Public Works Communications Specialist Nick McMillion said treatment of neighborhood streets began around midnight.
Collision Alert issued for McLean County
MCLEAN COUNTY (25News Now) - Saturday’s winter storm has forced the McLean County Sheriff’s Office to issue a collision alert until further notice. That means anyone involved in a minor property damage accident should exchange insurance information and report it to the Sheriff’s Office within 48 hours after the alert has been lifted. For emergencies such as accidents with injuries, the Sheriff’s Office says continue to dial 911.
Peoria Public Works continue to treat city roads during Winter Storm
PEORIA (25News Now) - Peoria Public Works say the city’s main arterial roads are drivable and passable, but drivers should use caution if they go out Saturday. That word came from Public Works during a 9 a.m. update, which added many neighborhood streets remain snow-covered. There are also slick spots in the city. Peoria Public Works crews are working 12-hour around-the-clock shifts and said they will continue to focus on primary roads and emergency snow routes.
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