Politics and Government

The website for McLean County Government just got a lot easier to use for people with disabilities. County board chair Elizabeth Johnston said a new module can read PDF documents aloud, and even interpret technical drawings like plans to change the design of an intersection.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the U.S. war with Iran has sent energy prices way up. Something similar happened back in 1973 during the OPEC oil embargo. Find out more in this episode of McHistory.

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood said he favors an approach to dealing with the looming Social Security insolvency that takes at least some of the political gamesmanship out of the issue.

The Central Illinois Regional Airport is giving a big thank-you to Congressman Darin LaHood for coming through with $1.5 million in grant money.

Data centers are getting a lot of attention in Bloomington. In Normal, not so much — both in inquiries by business and concerns from the public.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin doesn't think the current version of the Farm Bill will fly. During a news conference in Normal, he said the House version will not get his vote.

In his first State of the City speech, Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady said the city has accomplished a lot in his first year in office.

City Manager Jeff Jurgens doesn't think there is any location inside city limits that would be suitable for a large-scale data center, though there may be places outside municipal limits that fall under county government.

Gov. JB Pritzker is pushing for statewide zoning changes to spark housing construction. Not everyone is jazzed about the proposal though.

After more than eight years of trying, the Town of Normal may be able to move ahead with the Trail East and West developments on Uptown Circle. And if council members balk at a price increase for the Uptown Underpass, the town could have to repay millions in grant funding.