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Bloomington-Normal unemployment rate tops 5%
Unemployment in Bloomington-Normal rose to 5.3% last month, more than a full point higher than it was in May [4.2%]. Data from the Illinois Department of Employment Security [IDES] show statewide unemployment in June increased to 6.1%. The Bloomington-Normal labor market, which includes McLean and DeWitt counties, added 900 jobs...
Roger Bedeker to run for Bloomington City Council in Ward 9
A State Farm employee has announced he is running for Bloomington City Council in Ward 9. Roger Bedeker said in a news release he will focus on reducing taxpayer burden, promoting economic development, addressing aging infrastructure, and keeping residents safe. “I am passionate about what lies ahead for our community....
Man sentenced to 123 years in prison for his role in Bloomington shooting
A Chicago area man has been sentenced to 123 years in prison for his involvement in a fatal shooting that occurred on Bloomington's west side in 2020. Malcolm J. Johnson, 31, of Riverdale, was convicted in May of killing 20-year-old Jaleel Johnson, who was a father and concrete worker. The shooting also resulted in injuries to two other people who were in their 20s.
Bloomington Police to Address False Alarm Burden with Updated Ordinance and Penalties
The City of Bloomington is taking a firm stand on the pervasive issue of false alarms, which local law enforcement finds themselves responding to with increasing regularity. According to the Bloomington Police Department, officers answer the call for upwards of 2000 alarm system activations each year. Half of these, the department notes, are false alarms, a significant drain on resources. An updated ordinance, last revised in 2000, and a reinforced penalty structure are in the works to tackle this area of concern.
Win VIP Tickets to Cooper Alan and Drew Baldridge at Streator Fest
B104 has your chance to be a VIP and score tickets to see Cooper Alan and Drew Baldridge at Streatorfest on Friday August 2nd!. Tune in with Buck Stevens at 2:20 (7/29 – 8/2) to win a pair of VIP tickets to the concert! Listen for the cue to call at 2:20pm, caller 9 at 309-821-1041 when you hear it will WIN a pair of VIP tickets. As always, general admission is FREE to all the concerts, but VIP tickets get you closest to the stage; your VIP ticket comes with an exclusive lanyard, has its own restrooms and bars, and includes a 21+ wristband.
Gonzales Joins CSC Executive Board of Directors
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The College Sports Communicators Executive Board of Directors announced the addition of Illinois Wesleyan University's Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic Communications Katie Gonzales as the 2024-25 College Division Representative, Friday, July 26. The CSC finalized its 2024-25 Board of Directors in a special meeting, Thursday, July 25 meeting its need to fill one open position due to a previous member stepping down following a job change. Gonzales, who is also the second vice president of the CSC Division III Cabinet, will serve in the role for one year and will be able to run for a full...
Miller Park Zoo set to open historic animal building for first time since 2020
BLOOMINGTON (25News Now) - For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bloomington’s Miller Park Zoo is reopening the historic Katthoefer Animal Building to the public. The building was closed to visitors in March 2020 because the big cats, primates, and members of the weasel family...
The House on Garling is nearly done — again
The first thing to know about the house at 1905 Garling Drive in Bloomington is that you cannot miss it. Tucked within a nondescript neighborhood of mid-century ranch homes is the house Tom Kirk built. Several years ago, Kirk, the former co-owner of Henson Disposal, started adding scrap metal sculptures to his home and yard.
Brightpoint raises funds to support doula services for B-N's Latinx community
A nonprofit agency wants to expand its outreach to Bloomington-Normal's Latinx population, specifically expecting mothers. Brightpoint has dozens of programs to serve McLean County families at every stage of family development. The agency is working to broaden the population it serves by providing tools to make its services more accessible to non-English speaking families.
Our Newest Redbirds: Nursing student decides she can still go far at her hometown university
Mallory Witzemann grew up in Normal, so when it came time to pick a college she was set—like a lot of her contemporaries—on going to a school many miles from home. Illinois State University was not on the short list for this incoming freshman. “Honestly, choosing to go...
Safety Town in Normal to be expanded
NORMAL – A feature located in Carden Park for decades that teaches children about road and pedestrian safety is set to be expanded, while reaching out to more advanced age groups. Safety Town has been a resource in the community for years, and Normal’s Parks and Recreation Director Doug...
Kroger-Albertson's merger halted; future of 35 Illinois Mariano's, Jewel stores uncertain
The Kroger-Albertson's merger has been halted.The state of Colorado has filed a lawsuit to permanently block Kroger and Albertson's business plans until a court rules on the "megamerger," the state's attorney general said. Friday.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchThe block on the merger puts the future of 35 Mariano's and Jewel Osco stores in Illinois into uncertainty. Kroger and Albertson's had previously released a full list of all the stores they would sell off if their merger is approved, which included the 35 Illinois stores.The two grocery chains had committed in September 2023 to selling more...
IL FOP: Sean Grayson fired ‘without just cause’, files grievance
SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council filed a grievance saying the deputy that shot Sonya Massey in the face was terminated “without just cause.” Sean Grayson shot 36-year-old Sonya Massey in the head while responding to a call at her home. Grayson was charged with first-degree murder earlier this month. […]
IDOC, police department issue statement on ‘inflammatory’ Facebook posts
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Two Illinois agencies have issued statements about offensive comments made on social media Thursday. The Illinois Department of Corrections issued a statement announcing a correctional officer has been placed on administrative leave after they made an offensive Facebook post. “The Department has been made aware of social media posting on Facebook […]
Illinois State Police sued for giving accused Highland Park mass shooter FOID card
(The Center Square) – While Illinois State Police face litigation in the Court of Claims over the accused Highland Park shooter applying for and receiving a Firearm Owners ID card before the 2022 mass shooting, the agency’s director is touting successes in blocking firearms from prohibited individuals. On...
Reports Say Pizza Chain with 22 Illinois Places May Go Bankrupt
It's not easy trying to be a restaurant these days and national chains are certainly not excluded. Multiple reports say that a pizza chain that currently has 22 restaurants in Illinois is exploring bankruptcy possibilities. These business rumors aren't coming from small potato sources either. The Wall Street Journal and...
Local sports recap for July 25, 2024
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — Normal West beat Normal Community in the summer renewal of an intercity volleyball rivalry. The Wildcats beat the Iron in one of the opening matches of the third night of the Illini Elite Summer Volleyball Tournament on Thursday in Bloomington. Morton and Dee-Mack were multiple-match winners in the high school league. […]
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