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New coaches and historic touchdowns: What we learned about Peoria-area football in Week 1
New coaches got wins, Peoria Notre Dame earned a tough loss, there were plenty of points from Morton — and Richwoods' girls flag football team made a splash. Here are some takeaways from Week 1 in Illinois high school football around the Peoria area: ...
Illinois health officials reveals first West Nile virus death of 2024
Illinois is reporting its first West Nile Virus death of the year. The person was in their 80s and lived in Lake County. Over the past week, two others have tested positive, according to the Lake County Health Department.
Illinois Government Agencies Use of Controversial AI Technology
CTA Using Artificial Intelligence Surveillance Program to Identify Guns in Stations. Earlier this month the Chicago Transit Authority (“CTA”) announced that it was currently one month into a year long pilot program with the private company ZeroEyes, a company that pairs surveillance videos with artificial intelligence to detect firearms. As implemented as part of the pilot program, when the AI technology software detects a possible firearm, a human employee is then alerted who reviews the footage for accuracy before they then alert the Chicago Police Department, the CTA and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications at the same time. Currently the CTA has paired the AI program with 250 cameras at various stations around the city, though it declined to identify which stations citing safety concerns. CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. said in a statement that “this added measure of protection provides additional peace of mind to everyone.” The US Department of Homeland Security recently reviewed the company’s technology and in a report stated that a group of first responders found that the technology was in fact “intuitive,” but advocates worry about the lack of public discussion and the effectiveness of the technology, particularly when weighed against potential violations to individuals civil liberties. ACLU Illinois spokesman Ed Yohnka in response to the news warned against the use of more surveillance tools, particularly when he believes these technologies, “all come with allure of adding more safety, but they never seem to deliver on that promise.”
PBL football wins 40-13 in season opener over Chillicothe IVC; Boyd-Meents sets school record
PAXTON – Depending on who was making a prediction, the outcome may or may not have come as a surprise. For the fourth consecutive year, the Paxton-Buckley-Loda varsity football team exited the first week of the season with a win over Chillicothe Illinois Valley Central. According to PBL senior...
Princeton Park District Banking On Grant For New, Inclusive Playground
If a grant comes through, folks in Princeton have plans of offering an all-inclusive, ADA accessible, playground at Zearing Park. The Princeton Park District has submitted an application for a grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program, or OSLAD. Pending approval, park officials hope to begin construction on the playground next Spring.
Every high school football story from Week 1, all in one place
High school football can once again be a part of your Friday routine. Illinois High School Association Friday night lights returned in earnest for Week 1, celebrating the 50th year of the playoffs in the process. A season-long countdown is being held to unveil the top programs in state history. ...
DePaul Wins Second Match in Three Sets
Peoria, Ill. – DePaul volleyball defeated St. Thomas, 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-21), Saturday afternoon, earning a sweep in their second game of the season. The outing was a strong defensive showing for the Blue Demons (2-0), with four players recording double-figure digs. Senior libero Rachel Krasowski contributed a team-high 25 digs, while sophomore Nora Mannion added 14 of her own.
Beware of Vicious Illinois Tollway Scam That’s Ripping People Off
Just give me 5 minutes alone with the people that come up with these scams and everything will be fine. Don't I wish. While I wait for that golden opportunity, I can at least warn you to beware of a vicious text scam involving the Illinois Tollway that is ripping thousands of Illinoisans off.
Illinois Democrats see abortion rights as ‘fundamental’ issue in 2024
CHICAGO – Illinois delegates to the Democratic National Convention focused their attention Tuesday on reproductive rights, which some leaders say could eclipse the economy as a defining issue of the 2024 election campaign. “We want to be able to take care of our families. We want to be able...
Cooler temps and dry conditions through Labor Day Weekend
PEORIA (25News Now) - Expect dry weather to continue through the next several days with a cold front set to move through our region tomorrow, bringing in cooler air just in time for Labor Day. Daytime highs will range from the upper 70s to mid 80s, with nighttime lows dropping into the 50s to mid 60s throughout the week. However, a slow warming trend is expected Wednesday and Thursday, though highs will stay near or just below normal midweek. Overall, less humid, sunny, dry conditions will be expected for the days ahead.
Prep football recap for Aug. 30, 2024
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — The first night of the high school football season gave a couple of new coaches their first varsity wins. Peoria High’s Aaron Montgomery won his first game as the Lions beat Champaign Centennial, 56-21. And East Peoria’s Sam Durley won his debut, 28-26, over Springfield Southeast. Scott Godfrey won his first […]
Panthers Upset Kewanee In Season Opener (video)
Panther lineman Caleb Reymer recovered a Boiler dropped punt and EP took over on the Boiler 26. Winckler then faked a handoff and scampered 26 yards for 6 to put EP up 13-0 The EP Panther varsity football squad traveled to Kewanee Friday night and shocked the host Boilermakers in a 13-6 conquest. Kewanee was coming off an 8-2 2023 season that included the playoffs and returned numerous starters to this season’s squad. The Panthers have 8 returning starters and numerous contributors from last years once beaten sophomore squad and proved at Kewanee they should be very competitive this season. A good crowd of Panther fans were in attendance on a 70 degree Friday night and the Panthers started quickly.
Minooka 49, Rock Island 14
Rock Island hung with heavily favored Minooka almost until halftime. Then the wheels came off, and the perennial Class 8A playoff team came away with a 49-14 win at Rocky on Friday night. Trailing 7-0, Rocks’ QB Jae’Vion Clark-Pugh threw 29 yards to Evan Ellis, then a short pass to Elijah Venegas that Venegas turned into a 22-yard touchdown scamper to tie the game 7-7 with 6:06 left in the second quarter.
Pontiac football looks to build on early effort despite losing opener to Central Catholic
Pontiac head football coach Zach Gadbury pointed out during the preseason that his club was young, even though there are a good number of players returning from last year. That's the reality with only 12 seniors on the roster. Making things worse was losing one of its explosive weapons for the season after an injury during the summer. Also missing on opening night was an all-conference returnee. However, it’s not a matter of feeling the woes of...
Illinois Voted Most Hated State in America – It’s Chicago’s Fault
I want to be clear that I do not hate Illinois, so don't shoot the messenger. I'm just letting you know that the Land of Lincoln has just been named the most hated state in America and the blame is firmly on Chicago. When I saw this new top 10...
Old Farmer’s Almanac Predicts Hot Winter for Missouri & Illinois?
I will believe this when I see it actually happen. There are reports that the Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting a warm and dry winter for both Missouri and Illinois. Let's dig in and see if that really is true. I went directly to the source and can confirm that...
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