Amazon Prime deals could hurt local central Illinois stores

A Bradley University professor warns that while Amazon Prime deals offer consumer savings, shifting shopping habits could negatively impact local retailers in Central Illinois.

After Mahomet ends data center talks, some Champaign County residents hope for strict guardrails

CHAMPAIGN — After community backlash ended Mahomet’s talks with a potential data center developer, Clean Cloud Energy, some Champaign County residents feel strict guidelines are more important than ever. Residents’ concerns about data centers include wildlife and environmental impacts and electricity demand. The Champaign County Data Center...

Tri-County Urban League connects job seekers with employers at Peoria career fair

PEORIA (25News Now) - The Tri-County Urban League connected job seekers with employers and community resources at a career fair Tuesday afternoon. The event also introduced new programming from the organization’s workforce development department. The fair brought together employers and community partners, including Caterpillar and the city of Peoria,...

Peoria County considering proposed wind farm

About an hour before Peoria County’s Zoning Board of Appeals started days of hearings about Four Creeks’ proposed wind farm, a heavy-haul semi-truck carrying a long windmill blade passed Interstate 74’s Kickapoo-Edward Road exit, and one wondered whether yard signs or county hearing notices would withstand strong winds.

‘It really has gone up a lot’: Illinois farmers react to executive order reducing diesel fuel costs

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Relief is on the horizon as the harvest season is in full effect in Central Illinois. Governor Pritzker signed an executive order, providing assistance to farmers when it comes to diesel fuel costs. Here’s how it works: they will not be penalized for using red-dyed diesel for transportation on state roads for […]

Small Business Awards in Peoria

Proposed sales tax increase on Tazewell County ballot

Tazewell County voters will decide on a referendum to implement a County Schools Facilities Tax during the upcoming midterm election on November 3.

Energy costs could rise this winter. Low-income residents can apply for financial assistance

CHAMPAIGN — U.S. households are expected to spend an average of $82 more in heating costs this winter compared to last year. The estimated 8.7% increase is more than 2.5 times the rate of inflation, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, a group that represents state directors of the federally funded state directors of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.

McLean County Finance Committee approves no-interest loan to fix mistake and puts clerk’s budget on hold

BLOOMINGTON (25News Now) - McLean County’s Finance Committee wants to offer a no-interest loan to Octavia Park District in Colfax, due to what the state’s attorney’s office calls an “administrative error” at the McLean County Clerk’s office. The park district was charged $23,910.59 less in taxes than they should have been.

Step Back Into The 1930s At This Restored Route 66 Gas Station In Illinois

Some of the best road trip memories start with a stop you almost skipped. Tucked along an old stretch of highway in Illinois sits a tiny gas station that looks like it rolled straight out of a black-and-white photo. You pull over expecting a quick picture, and suddenly you are...

Tazewell, Woodford County farms received state grants as new funding round announced

PEORIA, Ill. – Two Central Illinois farms received state funding in August to improve their operations. Illinois now prepares to make another $1.8 million available through its Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program. The Illinois Department of Agriculture previously awarded $65,860 to Zehr Farms LLC in Tazewell County and $42,141.36...

Data center companies have approached Champaign County for projects in Sidney, Tolono

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY – Two data center companies have contacted Champaign County with interest in developing in Sidney and Tolono, according to Director of Planning and Zoning John Hall. ABEI Energy, an independent power producer based in Spain, contacted the county about a data center site outside of Tolono on...

New food businesses open in Peoria, local coffee shop takes break

Good morning, foodie friends, There is plenty of Peoria-area food news for us to sink our teeth into – from a nationally known restaurant opening in the area to a local coffee spot taking a two-week hiatus. We have plenty to digest, so let’s dig in. Dave’s Hot Chicken now open in the area Nationally known chicken brand Dave’s Hot Chicken held the grand opening for its new Peoria storefront on Friday, Oct. 2. Situated at 4205 N. Sterling Ave., the restaurant’s hours of operation are listed as 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. “It’s always exciting to see new businesses investing in Peoria, creating jobs, bringing new dining options to our community, and adding to the continued momentum along the Sterling Avenue corridor,” said fourth district city councilmember Andre Allen, who represents the area Dave’s is located. Learn more: Dave's Hot Chicken opens its first Peoria location African grocery store open at Peoria’s Metro Centre Life Africa Foods recently opened in Peoria’s Metro Centre. The shop sells products such as plantain leaves, pork feet, white semolina, pounded yam and other items. Rodrick Mbokelonga, who is originally from Congo,

GROWTH IN DOWNSTATE ILLINOIS: Manufacturing Momentum Builds Across Downstate Illinois

Continental Tire’s highly automated distribution center in Mount Vernon, Illinois. When people think of Illinois’ economy, the conversation often centers on Chicago. Yet some of the state’s most significant manufacturing investments are taking shape hundreds of miles from the Windy City skyline. Recent announcements from ADM, Combe,...

Powers Mansion in Decatur sold; future event venue planned

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) –  The Powers Mansion in Decatur has a new homeowner. On Monday,  the Decatur City Council voted in favor of the historic mansion being converted into an event venue.  The estate was built more than a century ago, in 1909. History of the Heartland said it was important for the new owner […]

Mahomet wasn’t the only Champaign County village approached by a data center company

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Public backlash against a potential data center in Mahomet recently led the village to end talks with data center developer Clean Cloud Energy. Now, WCIA has learned that a pair of companies approached two other Champaign County villages about potential developments. John Hall, the director of Champaign County Department of […]

OSF considers expansion into retail spaces at Peoria’s MidTown Plaza

PEORIA (25News Now) -OSF HealthCare is considering expanding its services at MidTown Plaza in Peoria, a move that could eventually affect some of the businesses currently operating in the shopping center. OSF owns MidTown Plaza, located at 1800 N. Knoxville Avenue. The health care system already operates its Center for...

Greater Peoria launches effort to strengthen region’s manufacturing workforce

PEORIA, Ill. – A new regional effort is underway to strengthen Greater Peoria’s manufacturing workforce and create more pathways into manufacturing careers. The Greater Peoria Leadership Council will lead the local effort as part of Caterpillar’s five-year, $100 million Building the Future Workforce Initiative. Caterpillar announced in July that it plans to invest up to $10 million in Illinois through the program, with Greater Peoria among the areas selected for the initiative.

McLean County solar farm now operational

A new 36-acre solar farm is now up and running on former farmland southeast of Bloomington. The McLean Solar 1 farm, located about five miles southeast on Bloomington by Interstate 74 and a mile north west of the unincorporated community of Gillum, went online Sept. 15. The solar farm development...

CIRA is financially strong, thanks to Rivian cargo boost

Travelers to Bloomington's Central Illinois Regional Airport [CIRA] may pass through its gates dozens of times without realizing how nearby economic changes — like those over at Normal's Rivian plant — can lead to windfalls at the airport. In June, Rivian began production of its R2 model. This...