McLean County

An agreement between HILIA and ISU ends June 30, 2027. HILIA, a program providing services to deaf/hard-of-hearing and blind/low vision students, does not currently intend to sign a new one. But the two parties say they're still negotiating.

The district that provides firefighting and EMS to 1,184 taxpayers located west and southwest of Bloomington posed three ballot questions to help address rising costs. All three have failed.

A brick marker along Stringtown Road southwest of Bloomington was erected in 1977 by the Corn Belt Philatelic Society. Members of EAA Chapter 129, the Bloomington-Normal chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association, are restoring it for the centennial.

Fire Chief Ryan Gibson told WGLT he understood prices are high for everyone, and the fire department needs to cover its own rising costs. He said three ballot questions would increase the department's budget to cover equipment and staffing needs, if approved.

Data from the Illinois School Report Card showed both Unit 5 and District 87 followed a trend that resulted in a record-high statewide four-year graduation rate of 89.8%.

U.S. Rep. LaHood sent a letter urging the Trump administration to reconsider Illinois’ request for disaster relief. LaHood visited Illinois Wesleyan on Wednesday and was joined by SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, who said her agency is ensuring survivors can access help.

Community benefits agreements, or CBAs, are legal documents for the investment and enforcement of specific provisions between a data center developer and a community. In the latest in WGLT's ongoing series about data centers, some sources tout CBAs as a tool of trust — while others say they are empty promises.

One Earth Energy has downsized its carbon capture plans, reducing the number of wells from three to one. Area residents say they're still seeking more information about the firm's safety measures.

One of the contested races for McLean County Board is in District 10 on Bloomington-Normal's east side, where Democrat Corey Beirne seeks re-election to a second term. His challenger is Republican Matt Steinkoenig.

County officials hope updated documentation, estimates, invoices and receipts will strengthen the aid request following the August storms.