Jim Stahly Jr.

McLean County Board chair Elizabeth Johnston talks about collaboration and transparency as the board salutes outgoing Sheriff Matt Lane and deals with county clerk budget overages.

The McLean County Board is extending a disaster declaration while appealing the rejection for federal disaster relief stemming from the Aug. 13-14 storms, and also approved a no-interest loan for tax error.

McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael defended her record and addressed recent administrative errors while facing a challenge from Democrat Joshua Crockett at WGLT's candidate forum. Crockett pointed to budget overruns and tax bill mistakes as a call for new leadership, while the incumbent Republican argued her office has corrected course and remains financially sound.

Democratic challenger Paul Nolley used a WTVP candidate forum with Republican Darin LaHood to paint the incumbent as a member of the Washington elite, more concerned with currying favor with special interests and corporations than helping people in his district. The election is Nov. 3.

Former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger acknowledged it was “a dumb bet.” But as a private citizen who hadn’t been office for two years and wasn’t seeking office, he stressed repeatedly that it was not illegal.

Former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a Bloomington-Normal native, returned home Thursday to talk about democracy, a legislator's duty and a wide range of topics after WGLT's screening of the documentary "The Last Republican."

Coming in at just over $150 million, the balanced budget is $5.9 million more than 2026, but lowers the property tax rate slightly from $0.83 to $0.81, amounting to a decrease of $15.86 for the owner of a $255,000 home.

A panel on both sides of the data center debate answered questions for three hours Wednesday night as at least a couple hundred people listened intently.

Speaking to the group of well over 100, Republican candidate for governor Darren Bailey emphasized that despite his loss to incumbent Gov. JB Pritzker four years ago, he thinks Illinois residents are ready for change wherever they live.

The McLean County Board approved a pair of facilities in the eastern part of the county that will store energy produced when demand is low, and distribute when need is high.