McLean County law enforcement agencies reported an average amount of gun violence in 2020. That’s a significant deviation from the national picture and the numbers in some other central Illinois communities.
Law enforcement officials and prosecutors said they feel blindsided by a massive criminal justice reform bill introduced by the Black Democratic Caucus in the Illinois House, with police saying they are shocked and surprised at the timing and sweeping scope of the measure.
Advocates of criminal justice reform in the United States have had several achievements in the last couple of years. Both sides of the aisle embraced calls for lower prison populations. A growing social movement calls for rehabilitation over punishment.
A proposal to regulate gatherings on county property -- which called for issuing organizers a fine if they don't provide advance notice of demonstrations and other events -- has stalled in a McLean County Board committee.
Nearly three years after being indicted, the lead defendant in the Coliseum fraud case agreed Tuesday to pay more than $430,000 in restitution to the City of Bloomington after pleading guilty to a single misdemeanor theft charge.
Three complaints have been filed against Pizza Ranch in Bloomington for opening indoor food service ahead of the end of the month target in the Restore Illinois pandemic recovery plan.
The wheels of justice are turning at a slower pace in McLean County as police, judges and attorneys navigate the legal system during the coronavirus outbreak.
McLean County residents with minor cannabis convictions are expected to soon have their records wiped clean. But it’s unclear just how soon, and how many people will benefit.
A former prosecutor who handled sex crimes for the McLean County state’s attorney’s office is accused in a lawsuit filed by a former colleague of sexual harassment, assault and battery during her alleged repeated sexual advances.
UPDATED 9:40 a.m. | New details emerged Tuesday about the recent outbreak of gun violence in Bloomington-Normal as authorities pointed to a new rap video that they say shows a deadly dispute between two hybrid street gangs.
McLean County could soon join thousands of other local governments across the country that have sued drugmakers and distributors for their role in the opioid epidemic.
A New York Times report shed new light on overworked and underfunded public defenders. It found public defenders in Louisiana assigned 200, 300, or even 400 felony cases—far more than the recommended workload for someone to mount an effective defense.
State Police have made what is considered the third largest cocaine bust in McLean County history. Assistant State's Attorney Jeff Horve said troopers pulled over a semi on I-55 Thursday north of Bloomington Normal for inspection.
