SNAP

The Normal Township supervisor said the bill could "dramatically and positively impact" the ability to help residents in need. It awaits the governor's signature.

Households that lost SNAP eligibility in recent months are eligible for a one-time $400 payment from the state that began Saturday.

The changes in the SNAP work requirements could leave more than 120,000 people without benefits. Food pantries are uncertain about the future with rising cost and demand.

District 87 Superintendent David Mouser said cells phones are the leading cause for disciplinary referrals at Bloomington High School. A new policy rolled out this year bans phones in classrooms.

Federal service cuts, tight state budgets, and AI technology all threaten human services, according to members of a new coalition organizing in Bloomington-Normal as part of the statewide group Alliance for Community Services.

City of Bloomington Township provided emergency food assistance to nearly 500 people whose SNAP benefits were denied during the recent federal government shutdown.

The McLean County Alliance for Community Services is composed of advocates for low-income families fighting for food and health care for all.

Republicans and Democrats continue blaming each other for the government shutdown even after the vote on a continuing resolution to fund the government until the end of January.

The state expects all 1.8 million Illinoisans who use the food assistance program to get full benefits by Nov. 20 after SNAP was delayed and reduced during the federal shutdown, which ended Wednesday night.

Two food drives in Bloomington-Normal this weekend aim to provide additional support to pantries amid rising demand.