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Articles by Nathan Cihak
Before heading into the woods, check these Illinois deer hunting rules
PEORIA (25News Now) - As Illinois’ firearm deer season approaches, conservation police are reminding hunters that knowing the rules and being fully prepared before heading into the field can help avoid common mistakes. The first firearm deer season runs Nov. 20-22, followed by a second season Dec. 3-6. Illinois Conservation Police Officer Noah Workman said one of the biggest misconceptions is that deer hunting is a single, continuous season.
Operation Roll Call raises nearly $49,000 for Greater Peoria Honor Flight
PEORIA (25News Now) - Thousands of dollars were raised Wednesday night to help Central Illinois veterans travel to Washington, D.C., through the Greater Peoria Honor Flight. 25News partnered with the Greater Peoria Honor Flight for its annual Operation Roll Call phone-a-thon on Veterans Day. Throughout the evening, volunteers answered donation calls from viewers across Central Illinois. By the end of the fundraiser, the event had raised nearly $49,000 to support future Honor Flights.
Experts encourage families to complete FAFSA early for 2027-28 school year
PEORIA (25News Now) - High school seniors may have already submitted college applications, but financial aid experts say there’s another important step families shouldn’t put off. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is open for the 2027-28 academic year. Colleges encourage students to apply early because some financial aid has limited funding and deadlines earlier than the federal deadline.
Before heading into the woods, check these Illinois deer hunting rules
PEORIA (25News Now) - As Illinois’ firearm deer season approaches, conservation police are reminding hunters that knowing the rules and being fully prepared before heading into the field can help avoid common mistakes. The first firearm deer season runs Nov. 20-22, followed by a second season Dec. 3-6. Illinois Conservation Police Officer Noah Workman said one of the biggest misconceptions is that deer hunting is a single, continuous season.
ER doctor shares cold weather safety tips as temperatures drop in Central Illinois
PEORIA (25News Now) - As temperatures begin to fall across central Illinois, emergency physicians say now is the time to prepare for more than just winter weather. Dr. William Fletchall, emergency physician and medical director of the emergency department at Carle Health Methodist Hospital, said colder temperatures often bring an increase in respiratory illnesses like influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, along with cold-related injuries such as frostbite and prolonged exposure to the elements.
Bradley University earns national recognition for supporting veterans
PEORIA (25News Now) - Bradley University is being recognized for its commitment to supporting veterans and military-connected students. The university was named to Military Times’ 2026 Best for Vets: Colleges list, ranking No. 13 in Illinois, No. 55 in the Midwest and No. 76 among private nonprofit institutions. Bradley is one of 370 colleges and universities nationwide to earn a spot on this year’s list.
Peoria-area Opportunity Zones could help attract future development
PEORIA (25News Now) - Parts of the Peoria area have been selected as Illinois’ new Opportunity Zones, a designation local economic leaders say could help attract private investment and redevelopment in the years ahead. The program offers federal tax incentives to encourage investors to finance qualifying projects in designated low-income census tracts. The goal is to bring new investment into areas targeted for economic growth.
Your bags are packed for your holiday trip. Is your passport ready?
PEORIA (25News Now) - Before you head to the airport this holiday season, the U.S. State Department says now is the time to make sure your passport is ready. According to the agency, one of the biggest mistakes travelers make is assuming a passport is valid simply because it hasn’t expired. An unexpired passport may not meet a destination’s entry requirements.
OSF joins statewide AI cyberattack exercise to strengthen hospital emergency response
PEORIA (25News Now) - As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, hospitals across Illinois are preparing for a new generation of cyber threats. More than 115 hospitals and health systems recently participated in “Broken Trust: AI Takes Control,” a statewide emergency preparedness exercise led by the Illinois Health and Hospital Association. The virtual exercise that took place Nov. 4 simulated an AI-driven cyberattack designed to disrupt patient care, communications and hospital operations.
Here’s when Peoria’s yard waste collection season comes to an end
PEORIA (25News Now) - If fall yard work is still on your to-do list, the City of Peoria says now is the time to get it done. The city’s seasonal yard waste collection program will end after the week of Dec. 7 through Dec. 11, giving residents about a month to rake leaves, trim branches and prepare their yards for winter. Yard waste is collected on the same day as regular trash pickup.
Normal Police seek community feedback through biennial survey
NORMAL (25News Now) - The Normal Police Department is asking residents to help shape policing in the community through its biennial community survey. The anonymous survey, available through Dec. 1, gives residents the opportunity to share feedback on the department’s performance, officer professionalism, public safety concerns and areas for improvement.
ACLU of Illinois Peoria Chapter calls on local leaders to reaffirm Illinois Trust Act amid reported ICE activity
PEORIA (25News Now) - The Peoria Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois is calling on local elected officials and law enforcement leaders to publicly reaffirm their commitment to the Illinois Trust Act following reports of increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Central Illinois. In a statement released Wednesday, the organization said reports of increased ICE activity have created fear and uncertainty, particularly within the Latino community.
Peoria Heights voters back continued fire aid agreement with Peoria Fire Department
PEORIA (25News Now) - Peoria Heights voters overwhelmingly supported continuing the village’s automatic aid agreement with the Peoria Fire Department during Tuesday’s election. The agreement, which originally took effect Jan. 1, allows Peoria firefighters to automatically respond to three types of emergencies in the village. Those emergencies include working structure fires, cardiac arrests and crashes involving people trapped inside vehicles.
World Stroke Day highlights the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and acting fast
PEORIA (25News Now) - Every minute matters when someone is having a stroke. That’s the message health advocates are sharing on World Stroke Day, an annual campaign aimed at helping people recognize the warning signs of a stroke and understand why acting quickly is critical. This year’s campaign focuses on the message, “Every Minute Counts,” encouraging people to recognize stroke symptoms and seek emergency medical care immediately.
New Richard Pryor exhibit honors Peoria icon and the legacy he left behind
PEORIA (25News Now) - Richard Pryor left Peoria decades ago to become one of the most influential comedians of all time. Now, his hometown is welcoming him back. The Peoria Riverfront Museum unveiled its new “PRYOR” exhibition Thursday, highlighting the life, career and lasting impact of one of Peoria’s most famous native sons. The exhibit is part of the museum’s Peoria Plays America series, which celebrates local figures whose influence reached far beyond Central Illinois.
Students react after reported sexual assault inside ISU’s Watterson Towers
PEORIA (25News Now) - Students at Illinois State University say they’re paying closer attention to their surroundings after a reported sexual assault inside Watterson Towers over the weekend. According to an Illinois State University Crime Advisory, university police responded to Watterson Towers around 2:30 a.m. Sunday after a student reported being sexually assaulted about an hour earlier in a lower-level service area of the residence hall.
Students react after reported sexual assault inside ISU’s Watterson Towers
PEORIA (25News Now) - Students at Illinois State University say they’re paying closer attention to their surroundings after a reported sexual assault inside Watterson Towers over the weekend. According to an Illinois State University Crime Advisory, university police responded to Watterson Towers around 2:30 a.m. Sunday after a student reported being sexually assaulted about an hour earlier in a lower-level service area of the residence hall.
Peoria paramedic receives national EMS honor, chooses veterans over awards ceremony
PEORIA (25News Now) - A Peoria paramedic is receiving one of the highest honors in emergency medical services, but she won’t be in Washington, D.C., to accept it. Nicole Hughes, a Quality and Compliance Manager, Critical Care Paramedic and Pre-Hospital Registered Nurse with Advanced Medical Transport (AMT), has been named a 2026 Star of Life by the American Ambulance Association. The award recognizes EMS professionals who go above and beyond in caring for their communities.
Creve Coeur bus service here to stay, after CityLink identifies way to keep it running
PEORIA (25News Now) - The previously announced discontinuation of CityLink bus service to Creve Coeur and the #23 Pekin Connector Route is no longer happening. CityLink said in a Wednesday night release that bus stops in Creve Coeur will continue after Nov. 4.
The Original Wonderdog says goodbye to Peoria, keeps East Peoria location open
PEORIA (25News Now) - The Original Wonderdog announced that its Peoria location at 8807 N. Knoxville Ave. will close at the end of business on Thursday, Oct. 29. In a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page, the owners thanked customers for their support over the years and invited them to stop by one last time before the location closes. “To everyone who has walked through our doors, shared a meal, and supported our crew over the years—THANK YOU!” the post reads.
Creve Coeur riders face loss of bus stops as CityLink cites funding gap
PEORIA (25News Now) - Some CityLink riders in Creve Coeur will lose their bus stops next week. Wednesday, Nov. 4, CityLink will discontinue all bus stops in Creve Coeur along its Route 23 Pekin Connector. The transit agency says the move is necessary to meet federal accessibility requirements after determining it doesn’t currently have the funding to provide the required complementary paratransit service in the area.
New H1N1 variant prompts doctors to urge early flu vaccination
PEORIA (25News Now) - Health experts are encouraging Central Illinois residents to get their flu shot now as a new variant of the H1N1 virus is contributing to an earlier-than-usual flu season in other parts of the country. While flu cases are already increasing in several western states, doctors said Central Illinois has not seen that same rise.
Farmers urged to document red-dyed diesel use
PEORIA (25News Now) - As questions remain about the temporary use of red-dyed diesel in some on-road farm vehicles, the Peoria County Farm Bureau is encouraging farmers to keep detailed records. The reminder comes as state and federal governments are temporarily allowing farmers to use red-dyed diesel in certain on-road vehicles through the end of the year to help lower energy costs.
Health care costs could rise again in 2027, putting pressure on workers
PEORIA (25News Now) - Workers who get health insurance through their employers could face higher costs in 2027 as employers continue to navigate rising health care expenses. Tim Wyman, president of Wyman Group in Peoria, says expensive prescription drugs, complex cancer treatments and other large medical claims are among the factors driving costs higher.
Dry weather helps Central Illinois farmers catch up on harvest
(25News Now) - Harvest season is more than halfway complete in the Heart of Illinois, and recent dry weather has helped farmers make progress in the fields after a wet start to the season. Charlie Hensley, manager of the Peoria County Farm Bureau, says the last two weeks have brought favorable conditions for harvesting corn and soybeans. “There’s been a lot of crop harvested in the last two weeks, especially beans,” Hensley said.
Normal approves $90K to combat ammonia levels in town water
NORMAL (25News Now) - The Town of Normal is launching a new pilot program aimed at lowering naturally occurring ammonia levels in its drinking water. On Monday night, the Normal Town Council approved spending up to $90,000 to test a mobile treatment unit provided by Veolia Water Technologies. Town water officials emphasize that local drinking water remains completely safe to consume and meets all state and federal environmental standards.
Fall Cleanup Week begins in East Peoria
EAST PEORIA (25News Now) - The City of East Peoria’s annual fall cleanup week is taking place this week, Monday October 5 through Friday October 9, offering residents a chance to dispose of their cumbersome household items. Clean up will occur on residents’ regular garbage pickup day. Items must be at the curb by 5:30 a.m. on your pickup day. Open only to occupied homes served by East Peoria Public Works. No businesses, multi-family, or non-residents. Max pile: 4 feet wide, 4 feet high, 8 feet long.
ISP highlights safety checks across Illinois
SPRINGFIELD (25News Now) - The Illinois State Police (ISP) is urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children are properly secured every time they get into a vehicle as the state recognizes Child Passenger Safety Week, running September 21–27. The awareness push comes in the wake of two recent fatal crashes on Illinois interstates: On Sept. 6, an infant died and four other children were injured in a crash on Interstate 57 in Cook County.
ISP highlights safety checks across Illinois
SPRINGFIELD (25News Now) - The Illinois State Police (ISP) is urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children are properly secured every time they get into a vehicle as the state recognizes Child Passenger Safety Week, running September 21–27. The awareness push comes in the wake of two recent fatal crashes on Illinois interstates: On Sept. 6, an infant died and four other children were injured in a crash on Interstate 57 in Cook County.
Central Illinois Regional Airport awarded over $12M for runway improvements
BLOOMINGTON (25News Now) - The Central Illinois Regional Airport has been awarded over $12 million in grant money from the Federal Aviation Administration to help fund the second phase of their Runway 11/29 Rehabilitation Project. Phase two of the project will include reconstructing and rehabilitating the pavement of the runway, along with adding new lights, signs, and cabling.
Redbirds Fall to Northern Iowa in Arch Madness Quarterfinal
Image Courtesy of Kayla Piper ST. LOUIS – The Illinois State Men’s Basketball season came to an end Friday night as the Redbirds fell to Northern Iowa, 74-52, in the quarterfinal round of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Enterprise Center. Entering Arch Madness as the No. 3 seed with a first-round bye, Illinois State struggled offensively and trailed throughout the night as the Panthers controlled the pace from the opening tip.
Here’s What You Missed: ISU Men’s Golf Spring Recap
NORMAL, Ill.- The Redbirds opened the spring with a top five finish, saw TJ Barger continue rewriting parts of the record book, and now head to Louisiana with momentum. Border Olympics: Fast Start in Texas Illinois State opened the spring season at the Border Olympics in Laredo and climbed two spots on the final day to finish tied for fifth in a 13-team field. Senior TJ Barger led the charge, finishing fourth individually at three under par (70-69-71).
Barger Leads Redbirds into Final Round in Ohio
Image Courtesy of Jacob Wright NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State men’s golf team is once again in position to contend for a tournament title, sitting second after the opening day of the Flyer Invitational at NCR Country Club. The Redbirds posted a two-round team total of 575 and trail Butler by four strokes heading into Tuesday’s final round. Senior TJ Barger led the way for ISU with rounds of 73 and 69 to finish at even par, placing him inside the top 10 individually.
Fennell Leads Redbirds at Medinah as ISU Takes on Elite Field
Image Courtesy of Tyler Coe NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State’s Elise Fennell is two-under through 36 holes and tied for 20th to lead a trio of Redbirds at the Illinois Women’s Invitational at Medinah Country Club, with 18 holes left to play. Reagan Kennedy sits at 146, tied for 51st, and senior Dani Grace Schrock is 10-over after rounds of 80–74. UCF leads the team race, followed by Illinois, Auburn and Indiana.
Redbird Golf Opens Season at Island Resort Intercollegiate; Sets Sights on Colorado
NORMAL, Ill.- Led by strong final-round performances from TJ Barger and Max Faucquez, the Illinois State men’s golf team landed themselves an eight-place at the Island Resort Intercollegiate this past weekend. The Redbirds closed with a team score of 845, tied for ninth-best in program history. Their final round score of 276 matched the sixth-best single round in program history.
Image Courtesy of Redbird Athletics NORMAL, Ill. – The Redbirds are heading to West Lafayette, Indiana, for the Purdue Invitational. The universities competing are Purdue, Grand Canyon University, Florida International University, Southern Illinois University, and McKendree University. Last Friday, the Boilermakers defeated Rutgers by 191-106.
Image Courtesy of Clutch Sports Media NORMAL, Ill. – Normal Community football has its eyes on the prize after two impressive playoff wins. The Ironmen won their first two playoff games vs West Chicago (41-16) and Prospect (52-49). “The weeks of practices leading up to the games…we came out better versions of ourselves. All three phases of the game really paved the way for these games,” said Normal Community head coach Jason Drengwitz.
Redbirds Head into Final Road Test with a Full Head of Steam
Image Courtesy of Redbird Athletics NORMAL, Ill. – Coming off a big road victory over the UNI Panthers 31-9, Coach Spack approached the microphone with some confidence. The Redbirds are 4-1 in their last 5 games and are currently on a 3-game winning streak heading into the second to last week of the regular season.
Redbirds Set to Compete in NCAA Midwest Regional Cross Country Championships
Image Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State University Cross Country teams are getting set to compete in the NCAA Midwest Regional on Friday, November 15th. The men’s team finished 17th overall in last year’s regional meet. Senior Mathis Chavand, who was named 2024 Missouri Valley Conference Men’s XC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, finished 17th overall in the individual standings.
Redbird Football extend winning streak behind Weaker Wright
Image Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics NORMAL, Ill. – After picking up the victory against Youngstown State last time over the weekend, Illinois State football traveled to Cedar Falls to take on Northern Iowa, looking to extend their winning streak. Coming into this game, the Redbirds were on a two-game winning streak and a record of 6-3 looking in prime position to make the FCS Playoffs. .
New question about the county auditor to appear on the McLean County ballot
NORMAL, Ill. – A unique feature of the McLean County ballot this election season is the question of whether or not the county auditor will continue to be an elected position. Chair of the McLean County Democrats Patrick Cortesi, and McLean County Board member Elizabeth Johnson gave their thoughts on what they believe will be best for the county. “I would suggest that you vote yes to not make it an elected position,” Cortesi said. “That doesn’t mean we don’t want an auditor.
Live Election Results: Updated Every 15 Minutes
WZND brings you extensive election coverage and live result updates throughout the day on Tuesday, November 5. Listen to WZND 7-10 pm for the live election show and exclusive interviews on election day.
Representative Sharon Chung and Desi Anderson vie for the Illinois District 91 seat
Images courtesy of the candidates’ campaign websites NORMAL, Ill. – Standing up for small businesses, infrastructure concerns and women’s rights are just a few of the issues that are important to the candidates of the race for the 91st House District. The race for Illinois’s 91st House seat is between current State Representative, Democrat Sharon Chung, and Republican candidate Desi Anderson.
Ready to Make Waves: Redbirds Open Season vs. Sycamores
Image Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics NORMAL, Ill. – Redbird Swimming and Diving is having their first meet of the season this Friday at 2 pm in Horton Field House vs Indiana State. Head Coach Riley Hilbrandt shared her feelings for this upcoming meet and the season moving forward. Coach Hilbrandt and the team are showed excitement about their race this week after their Red vs. White intrersquad meet. The team has been training hard and are excited to show off what they have been working on.
Illinois State Prepares for Southern Illinois Showdown
Image Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics NORMAL, Ill. – Brock Spack stepped up to the microphone once again this Tuesday to talk about yet another rivalry game with a conference foe. The Redbirds are coming off a disappointing loss to an exceptionally good North Dakota State team, who is ranked #2 in the country. They will take on a 2-3 Southern Illinois team this Saturday, a team they have struggled against in the past.
llinois State Golf Team Rallies to Tie for Fourth at Badger Invitational
Image Courtesy of Redbird Athletics NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State Redbird Golf team traveled to the University of Wisconsin this weekend to play in the Badger Invitational. The Redbirds finished the third and final round of the tournament with a score of 299 (+11), leaving the team with a finishing score of 870 (+6) through the 54-hole tournament, tied for fourth place overall with Memphis and Washington State.
Local Brewery Destihl Celebrates Homecoming with Two New Beers
NORMAL, Ill. – In a collaboration with Illinois State University, Destihl launched two new beers over the Homecoming weekend. “We’ve been working on trying to get something done in partnership with ISU,” Bob Ryan, director of sales for Destihl said. “We’re really, really happy that it came together this year.” The local brewery partnered with ISU to launch two brand new flavors of beer: Red Bird Ale and Battle Bird Lager.
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