Republican voters in Illinois have once again chosen former state Sen. Darren Bailey as their candidate for governor, giving him a second chance to unseat incumbent Democrat JB Pritzker in November.

A long list of upgrades, improvements and initiatives planned for the next fiscal year add up to nearly $112 million worth of capital projects included in the City of Bloomington’s proposed budget for the 2027 fiscal year.

The Normal Town Council approved a new operating and capital investment budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The $233.5 million budget represents a 10% increase over last year.

The McLean County Board could decide to claw back more than $400,000 in budget overruns from County Clerk Kathy Michael's office. Board chair Elizabeth Johnston said depending on what invoices and other documentation Michael submits in the next month, the county general fund may need to be reimbursed.

Several local governments in Central Illinois are looking to create their own data center regulations as lawmakers have yet to take action regulating this emerging industry. Data centers are seen as key to fueling an AI revolution. Critics worry they could drain water and electricity supplies that are needed to power them.

City Manager Jeff Jurgens shared the newest images of the Connect Transit transfer center that is set to break ground at the end of 2026 or early 2027. The design is 60% complete.

McLean County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston said she disagrees, in part, with Twin City mayors Dan Brady and Chris Koos who have criticized the performance of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council. Johnston said she thinks the EDC has delivered a lot of bang for the buck.

The City of Bloomington has deferred adoption of an Eid al-Fitr Day proclamation in part due to the conflict with Iran.

The amendment to the agreement — that also must be passed by Bloomington and Normal — will forgo the money that would come during April, May and June, said McLean County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston.

Senior leadership from the Bloomington-Normal YMCA traveled to Washington, D.C. to join the national coalition's advocacy days. YMCA wants full funding for childcare funding and health promotions, among other priorities. At home, the BN YMCA is hoping to expand its services.