Chainsaws and wood chippers could be heard around Bloomington-Normal on Friday as residents, public works crews, and tree services picked up the pieces left behind by strong storms Thursday night.

Country Financial has already seen 1,000 property and auto claims from this week's back-to-back severe wind and tornado events. They expect more in the coming days as residents sort through their homes.

The approval stops short of six-month moratoriums approved by Bloomington and Normal, but gives McLean County more stringent rules than most neighboring counties, officials said.

No injuries have been reported in the storms that hit McLean County Thursday evening.

What makes the event like no other is its emphasis on inclusion of everyone and building irreplaceable bonds through a large sum of people from all walks of life, organizers said. This year's games will feature 3,450 athletes and unified partners, 1,250 coaches and 1,200 volunteers.

Republican state Sen. Sally Turner reflects on the late night budget, a pause on gas sales tax, property tax relief, regulating data centers and a pause in data center tax credits.

After the severe damage to Springfield's Animal Protective League and other shelters in Southern Illinois, the Humane Society of Central Illinois, Clover's Cat Club and Pet Central Helps in Normal are stepping up. Together, they are taking care of dozens of cats and dogs temporarily.

McLean County and Central Illinois are gearing up for America 250 with a bunch of events, everything from a community drone show on July 2 to readings of the Declaration of Independence at Connie Link Amphitheater in Normal and in Downtown Bloomington. It's not the first national anniversary involving a big celebration. Let’s go back 50 years to hear what they did for the nation’s Bicentennial.

The Town of Normal's Historic Preservation Commission will decide whether or not to approve demolition of three Uptown Normal buildings at its next meeting.

All around Central Illinois, towns are holding Fourth of July firework shows, festivals and other events to celebrate 250 years of America. That includes a new drone show at the Interstate Center in Bloomington.

McLean County is facing an enhanced risk of severe weather (Level 3/4 of 5) for a storm expected to hit between 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday.

Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady said the summer is marking progress on more than $315 million in public and private investment projects.