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GLT's 10 Most-Read Stories of 2017

Eastview Christian Church
Eastview senior Pastor Mike Baker's sermon on sexuality provoked members of the LGBT community as well as a women's group and other Christians in the community.

What a year it’s been.

National stories have resonated in Bloomington-Normal headlines in some big ways, from the controversy over kneeling during the National Anthem, to the opioid crisis, to the pervasiveness of "fake news" on Facebook.

As we reflect on 2017, here are the Top 10 most-read stories published on WGLT.org. These are not our best stories, or our favorite stories. Many were difficult to report; some are difficult to read, even now. 

Thank you for turning to GLT as a news source in 2017. We hope you come back in 2018. 

State Farm HQ
Credit Staff / WGLT
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WGLT
State Farm says its overall Bloomington-Normal workforce will continue to fluctuate around 15,000 employees.

State Farm IT Changes Will Include Employee Buyouts

Any story about job changes at State Farm is bound to cause a stir. The insurer is Bloomington-Normal’s largest employer by far, and even small movements are the talk of the town. This story—about restructuring and buyouts for IT employees—is still developing. More to come in 2018. 

McLean County Coroner: 7 Overdose Deaths in 1 Week

McLean County authorities are dealing with the same opioid problem that’s spreading across the country. During one troubling week in September, seven people died from suspected drug overdoses in McLean County. GLT reported on those deaths and the larger forces at work among local drug users. 

Body Found In Creek Near Constitution Trail, Veterans Parkway

GLT users wanted to know more about what happened to a 33-year-old man whose body was found in a creek near Constitution Trail west of Veterans Parkway last September. That’s just south of the Shoppes at College Hills, and near several businesses including Jason's Deli, Steak 'n Shake, and a Qik-n-EZ gas station. The coroner later said Marcus Bivens died from drowning. No foul play was suspected. 

Eastview Pastor’s Sex Sermon Called ‘Offensive’

Eastview Christian Church pastor Mike Baker caused a stir in August with a much-publicized sermon on sexuality. Members of the LGBT community, a local women’s group, a Bloomington City Council member, and members of other Christian churches said they found Baker’s sermon "hateful" and "offensive."

Body Found in Forest Southwest of Bloomington

Two people walking their dog in July stumbled across a woman’s body on a nature trail at the Funks Grove Nature Preserve, southwest of Bloomington. Ultimately, the woman’s daughter and her boyfriend were arrested and charged with her violent murder. Their criminal cases are still pending. 

Local Facebook Group Spreads the News, and Something Darker Too 

GLT received lots of feedback on this story about a popular private Facebook group—called News Happening—and the people who manage it. Critics, including those who’ve been kicked out of the Facebook group, say its growth has spawned a spread of nasty comments among members—sometimes with racial overtones—as well as incomplete or inaccurate information. Others passionately defend the group. 

Credit Facebook
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Facebook
Tina Salamone passed away in March.

BCPA Director Dies Suddenly

Bloomington lost one of its most ardent advocates for the arts last March. Tina Salamone, director of the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, died of a sudden heart attack. The city of Bloomington is still trying to determine future leadership at the BCPA. Aldermen voted down a plan to hire VenuWorks—the company that runs the city-owned downtown arena—to run the BCPA as well.

Garlic Press Cafe in Uptown To Close

The Garlic Press Market Cafe closed in September, much to the disappointment of longtime fans who loved its delicious food. (The adjoining gift store remained open.) But there's good news: Garlic Press’ owners announced last month that a specialty chocolate, fudge, and popcorn shop will move into the space

Police: Dad Killed Sons, Then Set Fire In Murder-Suicide

The community was stunned in September upon learning that a 33-year-old father had killed his two young sons in a calculated murder-suicide at their home in northeast Bloomington. Surviving members of the family thanked first responders and hospital staff for their assistance after the tragedy.

NCHS Students Kneel During National Anthem at Homecoming Event

NFL players weren’t the only ones taking a knee during the singing of the National Anthem in 2017. About 85 students at Normal Community High School did not stand during the anthem at a homecoming assembly in October, including some members of the choir who were singing it.

WGLT depends on financial support from users to bring you stories and interviews like this one. As someone who values experienced, knowledgeable, and award-winning journalists covering meaningful stories in central Illinois, please consider making a contribution.

Ryan Denham is the digital content director for WGLT.