State Farm

Many State Farm agents said they feel angry and betrayed by the Bloomington-based company.

Urban Equity Properties began construction Monday, turning the old State Farm building into an upscale 183-unit apartment complex in Downtown Bloomington. City officials say an increase in inventory, regardless of price point, provides relief for renters in search of affordable housing.

The Illinois legislature has passed rate-increase regulations for both home and auto insurance, though critics argue the changes fail to address the root cause of rate increases and could backfire by raising costs and reducing options for coverage.

State Farm has told its 19,000 agents it is changing its compensation and benefits contract for them. The Bloomington-based company is also cutting benefits for retired agents.

Phase one, including the first 57 apartments, is expected to be completed by next summer. Justin Fern of Urban Equity Properties spoke to WGLT on details for the planned G.J. Lofts project.

So far, State Farm and Country Financial have fielded a combined 656 insurance claims in McLean County from the April 17 storms and tornadoes.

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.

The Illinois House has passed a bill requiring insurance companies get approval for rate increases and give a 60-day notice to customers if they increase rates more than 10%. Insurance companies said this could raise rates in the long term and does not address the real cause of the rate increases.

Bloomington City Manager Jeff Jurgens said he's pleased with the redevelopment of the former Pantagraph print building on West Jefferson Street. The building has reopened with the 8 Bit Arcade, a retro-style video game and pinball arcade and bar on the main floor.

With too much space and more remote workers, State Farm said Thursday that it plans to consolidate its workforce into the Corporate South complex in Bloomington and close its Corporate Headquarters and Illinois Operations Center by the end of 2027.