Eric Sorensen

Chestnut Health Systems and Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington both received federal grants totaling $860,000 for mental health substance use prevention efforts.

The two candidates for the 17th Congressional District that includes parts of Bloomington-Normal, recently sat for half-hour interviews with WGLT. In the first of two stories, they talk about the budget, the deficit, and the broader economy.

The sprawling district that covers a large, diverse swath of the state is one of the most competitive races this election cycle.

A federal grant will send more than $350,000 to McLean County to help prevent domestic violence and sexual assault against children.

Democratic congressman Eric Sorensen is far outpacing Republican rival Joe McGraw in fundraising with just weeks to go before election day.

The Normal Police Department is set to receive a $750,000 federal grant that will allow six new officers to be hired.

The manufacturing company broke ground Monday on the project, which will replace an aging office building. The new building will be powered by solar energy and is designed to conserve water.

The funding for upgrades at the Central Illinois Regional Airport comes from the Federal Aviation Administration's Improvement Grant Program.

Rep. Eric Sorensen, a first-term Democrat who represents parts of Bloomington-Normal, Peoria and much of western and northern Illinois, said he was “relieved that President Trump is okay” after what happened in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen said a bipartisan bill he's co-sponsoring to reduce fentanyl smuggling at the southern border would also help suppress gun smuggling.