Bloomington-Normal News (2024)

Bloomington-Normal News

Shooting violated council member’s ‘sacred space’

Updated: 9 hours ago

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By Howard Packowitz

A bullet hit Bloomington Alderwoman Mollie Ward’s home Friday night

Peoria News

Former WTVP leader embezzled more than $375K, reports show

Updated: 13 hours ago

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By Mike Smith, Liz Lape and Lizzie Seils

State’s Attorney had enough evidence to file criminal charges against Matuszak

Man injured after shooting in Bloomington

Updated: 19 hours ago

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By Jason Howell

A nearby home was also damaged from gunfire.

Bloomington-Normal News

A game, set, match win for those who played in the Special Olympics Illinois Tennis Tournament

Updated: Aug. 18, 2024 at 6:53 PM CDT

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By Gianna Njau

Nearly 100 athletes from across Illinois participated in Special Olympics tennis tournament

Bloomington-Normal News

Shooting injures man in Bloomington

Updated: Aug. 16, 2024 at 10:43 PM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz

Shooting near Graham and Roosevelt northwest of Downtown Bloomington

News

Bloomington woman chosen to sing national anthem at a White Sox game

Updated: Aug. 16, 2024 at 9:20 PM CDT

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By Taylor Fleming

Destinee Feliciano teaches at Tri-Valley High School in Downs.

Bloomington-Normal News

Rivian ‘temporarily’ halts delivery van production due to part shortage

Updated: Aug. 16, 2024 at 5:38 PM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz

Rivian makes delivery vans for Amazon

Bloomington-Normal News

Construction costs rise almost 57% for Normal’s proposed east side fire station

Updated: Aug. 16, 2024 at 4:19 PM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz

New fire station now expected to cost just over $7.7 million.

News

Woman alleging sexual harassment at Rivian files second suit against contractor at Normal plant

Updated: Aug. 15, 2024 at 8:51 PM CDT

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By Lizzie Seils

The female employee claimed sexual harassment was a near-daily occurence.

Bloomington-Normal News

Man charged with breaking girlfriend’s nose, causing concussion

Updated: Aug. 15, 2024 at 7:48 PM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz

Jordan D. Bailey ordered to remain in jail before trial

Bloomington-Normal News

Anti-war protesters’ lawsuit against ISU moves to federal court

Updated: Aug. 15, 2024 at 6:48 PM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz and Madison Porter

Students charged criminally with trespassing have filed a lawsuit against the university

Bloomington-Normal News

Lawmakers, labor leaders talk boosting trades with federal dollars in Bloomington

Updated: Aug. 14, 2024 at 7:38 PM CDT

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By Sela Estill

Bloomington-Normal News

From junk to jewels: Central Illinois college students claim recycled items for free

Updated: Aug. 14, 2024 at 5:36 PM CDT

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By Sam Matheny

TVs, microwaves, shoes, futons and other items were free to take

Bloomington-Normal News

Family displaced after unattended cooking fire in Bloomington

Updated: Aug. 14, 2024 at 3:32 PM CDT

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By Jason Howell

The fire was confined to the kitchen and extinguished with less than 100 gallons of water.

Bloomington-Normal News

Bloomington’s historic Evergreen Cemetery Walk coming to an end

Updated: Aug. 14, 2024 at 3:30 PM CDT

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By Mike Smith

There are many reasons this will be the last “Cem Walk.”

Bloomington-Normal News

Bloomington man charged with trying to kill ex-wife with children present

Updated: Aug. 13, 2024 at 4:55 PM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz

Steven J. Barton charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery, and domestic battery

Bloomington-Normal News

Central Illinois Regional Airport announces 12-week road rehab

Updated: Aug. 12, 2024 at 4:16 PM CDT

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By Jason Howell and Taylor Fleming

CIRA said the rehab of the roadway will be in four phases and is expected to last around 12 weeks.

National

LL Flooring to close Bloomington, East Peoria stores

Updated: Aug. 12, 2024 at 3:18 PM CDT

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By Mike Smith

The company announced it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Normal Apartment complex hit by gunfire

Updated: Aug. 11, 2024 at 11:22 AM CDT

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By 25News Now

When officers arrived, the found evidence of gunfire, but no injuries were reported.

Bloomington-Normal News

9-year old hosts her first-ever walk to help other kids with epilepsy

Updated: Aug. 10, 2024 at 4:39 PM CDT

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By Sela Estill

Maddie Quinn is advocating for more resources for other kids battling the illness

Bloomington-Normal News

Dozens of high school athletes gather to raise money for Special Olympic athletes

Updated: Aug. 10, 2024 at 4:18 PM CDT

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By Sela Estill

Event organizers say the fundraising goal of $10,000 was exceeded

Bloomington-Normal News

Bloomington man jailed on ‘Super X’ drug charges

Updated: Aug. 9, 2024 at 7:44 PM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz

40-years in prison is the maximum sentence for Super X convictions

Bloomington-Normal News

Bloomington girl with epilepsy hosting walk to help other children with condition

Updated: Aug. 9, 2024 at 5:35 PM CDT

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By Liz Lape

Maddie's Walk for Epilepsy will be held Saturday morning Aug. 10 at Bloomington's White Oak Park

Bloomington-Normal News

Man from Normal sentenced to prison for possession of child p*rnography

Updated: Aug. 9, 2024 at 4:35 PM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz

Andrew F. Bachman pleaded guilty in May

Bloomington-Normal News

Government panel backs Rivian’s expansion plans to build R2 EVs

Updated: Aug. 8, 2024 at 9:48 PM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz

New 1.1 million square foot building is included in expansion plans

Bloomington-Normal News

Downtown transit center, parking deck a step closer to reality

Updated: Aug. 8, 2024 at 8:21 PM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz

Transit center and parking deck would replace the aging Market Street garage

Bloomington-Normal News

What health experts in McLean County want you to know about West Nile virus

Updated: Aug. 8, 2024 at 5:54 PM CDT

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By Sela Estill

Five humans in Illinois have West Nile Virus

Bloomington-Normal News

Man released from jail after pleading guilty to 2016 rape attempt in Normal

Updated: Aug. 8, 2024 at 5:08 PM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz

Jonathan Bern Olivares-Venegas, 27, already served 591 days in jail

Bloomington-Normal News

Bloomington students get free school supplies

Updated: Aug. 8, 2024 at 3:09 PM CDT

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By Skylar Collins

District 87 and Unit 5 students received free school supplies before returning to the classrooms

Bloomington-Normal News

Bird tests positive for West Nile Virus in Normal

Updated: Aug. 8, 2024 at 12:56 AM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz

The infected bird was collected in the 61761-zip code area

Bloomington-Normal News

Bloomington-Normal tourism chief steps down

Updated: Aug. 7, 2024 at 6:54 PM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz

Crystal Howard is leaving after more than 20 years on the job

Bloomington-Normal News

Federal mediator called in as ISU, non-tenure track teachers at odds on salary

Updated: Aug. 7, 2024 at 5:50 PM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz

Two sides have been negotiating since March

Bloomington-Normal News

Victim identified in deadly McLean County crash

Updated: Aug. 7, 2024 at 4:53 PM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz

Name of alleged Scott's Law offender also released

Bloomington-Normal News

7 displaced after Bloomington apartment fire

Updated: Aug. 7, 2024 at 2:36 PM CDT

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By Jason Howell

The fire was blamed on unattended cooking.

Bloomington-Normal News

Plan to provide housing for homeless veterans may have unintended consequences

Updated: Aug. 6, 2024 at 9:21 PM CDT

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By Madison Porter and Kyle Vincent

Some tenants worry this will force some of them to the streets.

Bloomington-Normal News

Multimillion dollar Bloomington Public Library expansion complete

Updated: Aug. 6, 2024 at 5:17 PM CDT

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By Liz Lape

The new and improved library features more meeting rooms, space for books, and an innovation lab

Bloomington-Normal News

Rivian remains in the red, but expects to be making money by year’s end

Updated: Aug. 6, 2024 at 5:06 PM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz

Rivian on track to make 57,000 EVs in Normal this year

Bloomington-Normal News

Large layoffplanned for Bloomington optometry practice

Updated: Aug. 6, 2024 at 4:13 PM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz and Mike Smith

100 workers affected by Bloomington layoff

Bloomington-Normal News

Scott’s Law violation follows deadly crash on I-55 in southwest Bloomington

Updated: Aug. 6, 2024 at 2:57 PM CDT

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By Jason Howell

Alleged Scott's Law violation happened almost three hours after fatal crash

News

Democrats launch statewide program to recruit candidates via text

Updated: Aug. 5, 2024 at 9:21 PM CDT

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By Taylor Fleming

"Texting is something that we hope will probably bring in a younger set of folks"

Peoria News

Red Cross warns of nationwide blood shortage

Updated: Aug. 5, 2024 at 5:44 PM CDT

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By Jason Howell

The Red Cross said Type O blood inventory is so slow, distributions are reduced below what hospitals count on.

Bloomington-Normal News

Bloomington’s auto service gives away free backpacks and schools supplies to families

Updated: Aug. 4, 2024 at 5:44 PM CDT

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By Gianna Njau

Auto 4 Less gave away backpacks and school supplies to those in need on Sunday.

Bloomington-Normal News

Tenants want to take living conditions into their own hands

Updated: Aug. 1, 2024 at 10:35 PM CDT

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By Madison Porter and Kyle Vincent

Despite improvements, tenants speak of poor security, bug infestations, and other problems.

Bloomington-Normal News

2nd man given more than 100 years in prison for 2020 Bloomington homicide

Updated: Aug. 1, 2024 at 5:14 PM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz

Jaleel Johnson from Bloomington was shot in the head on Oct. 12, 2020.

Bloomington-Normal News

McLean County's first Narcan vending machine aims to address rising overdose deaths

Updated: Aug. 1, 2024 at 5:09 PM CDT

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By Liz Lape

McLean County saw a 25% rise in overdose deaths in 2023

Bloomington-Normal News

4 years is enough for this Bloomington alderman

Updated: Jul. 31, 2024 at 9:17 PM CDT

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By Howard Packowitz

Tom Crumpler was elected to the Bloomington City Council in 2021

News

3 mayoral candidates reveal their visions for Normal

Updated: Jul. 31, 2024 at 5:51 PM CDT

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By Taylor Fleming

Chris Koos, incumbent mayor of Normal, has two challengers for the job.

News

World’s largest disc golf tournament returns to Central Illinois

Updated: Jul. 31, 2024 at 5:27 PM CDT

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By Sam Matheny

2,500 pro and amateur players from all over the world will compete at 15 area courses.

Bloomington-Normal News

National Breastfeeding Month: Donor milk available for mothers

Updated: Jul. 31, 2024 at 5:26 PM CDT

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By Jason Howell and Liz Lape

McLean County Health Department encourages women to donate their breastmilk in August

Bloomington-Normal News

War protesters battle ISU in court over documents’ release

Updated: Jul. 31, 2024 at 5:13 PM CDT

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By Madison Porter and Howard Packowitz

Seven students charged with criminal trespassing to state supported property

Bloomington-Normal News (2024)

FAQs

Is Bloomington, IL a good place to live? ›

Bloomington is a town in Illinois with a population of 78,788. Bloomington is in McLean County and is one of the best places to live in Illinois. Living in Bloomington offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Bloomington there are a lot of parks.

How many people are in Bloomington-Normal? ›

Bloomington-Normal has a population of about 167,699 and is located only a few hours from Chicago, Illinois, St.

Why is Bloomington-Normal? ›

The Twin Cities of Bloomington-Normal have been ranked among the best places in the nation: Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. (Also Top in Illinois and among Top 25 in the Midwest) — Livability (2024) #1 Most Affordable City in Illinois (Top 10 in the U.S.) — Livability (2024)

Is Bloomington-Normal safety? ›

Relative to Illinois, Bloomington has a crime rate that is higher than 80% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes. However, compared to other communities of similar population size, Bloomington has a crime rate that is noticeably lower than the average.

What is the best neighborhood in Bloomington IL? ›

Some of the best neighborhoods in or around Bloomington, Illinois are Fox Creek Road, South Hill and Northwest Union. Consider buying or renting a home in one of these popular neighborhoods. Is this area right for me? A local agent can help you zero in on the area that's perfect for you, no commitment required.

What is the safest place to live in Illinois? ›

Western Springs stands as the sole city reporting zero violent crimes, while Pingree Grove reports zero burglaries. Aggravated assault has emerged as the most common violent crime in Illinois, with only Campton Hills, Gilberts, and Western Springs reporting no occurrences.

How many Indians are in Bloomington Normal? ›

This is the first part of a WGLT series looking at the Asian Indian community in Bloomington-Normal. There are nearly 6,000 Indians who live in the community. They are a group whose traditions and lives are not often presented to the public by mainstream media.

What is the poverty rate in Bloomington, IL? ›

12% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Bloomington, IL (9.22k out of 76.7k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is lower than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Males 18 - 24, followed by Females 18 - 24 and then Males 35 - 44.

What is Bloomington Normal known for? ›

Bloomington is home to State Farm Insurance, Country Financial, and Beer Nuts. The original Steak 'n Shake restaurant was opened in Normal, Bloomington's adjoining city, in 1934. It also has the largest Dairy Queen Restaurant.

Is Bloomington a walkable city? ›

Bloomington is a pedestrian and bike friendly community committed to the integration of active and sustainable forms of transportation.

What is Bloomington best known for? ›

Bloomington was the site of the Academy Award-winning movie Breaking Away. Written by a former Bloomington resident, the movie illustrates one of the town's greatest passions, bicycling. Bloomington is also home to the world famous Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction.

Is Bloomington a expensive city? ›

BLOOMINGTON, Ind (WISH) — A survey conducted by Lawn Love ranked Bloomington as seventh among the most expensive places for renters in 196 metropolitan areas surveyed.

Is Bloomington safe at night? ›

Bloomington is generally safe, but it's always wise to know what to do in a potentially dangerous situation. Whether you need emergency assistance, want to stay up to date on weather that may affect the campus, or need a safe ride home late at night, we can help.

Is Bloomington a nice place to live? ›

Bloomington is in Monroe County and is one of the best places to live in Indiana. Living in Bloomington offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Bloomington there are a lot of restaurants and parks.

Is Bloomington Normal a college town? ›

Ranked as one of the top 5 college towns in America, Bloomington-Normal is buzzing with summer events and activities.

What is the racial makeup of Bloomington Illinois? ›

The 5 largest ethnic groups in Bloomington, IL are White (Non-Hispanic) (72.7%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (9.38%), Asian (Non-Hispanic) (8.13%), Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (3.25%), and White (Hispanic) (2.68%).

Is it expensive to live in Bloomington Illinois? ›

Bloomington is part of Bloomington Metro metro area, which is ranked 188 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. According to C2ER (the Council for Community and Economic Research), the cost of living in Bloomington is estimated to be 91% of the national average making it an average US city.

What's it like living in Bloomington? ›

Live music, coffeehouses, open-air farmer's markets, local restaurants, more than 30 annual festivals, and breathtaking natural scenery are just part of what makes Bloomington so unique. You can walk and bike almost anywhere and, should you ever want to leave, the Indianapolis airport is a shuttle bus ride away.

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