Authorities in Bloomington-Normal say the number of gun seizures rose significantly in 2020 with police seizing a total of 94 firearms. That's a third more than the 61 seized in in the two communities in 2019.
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.
You might think Gabriella Calhoun would be on the front lines leading protests against racism and police brutality in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
Police chiefs for Normal, Bloomington and Illinois State University say they have not recorded any incidents of black residents being harassed for wearing masks in public.
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.
The Town of Normal and three police officers have asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a widow who alleges a cop stole $12,000 from her home after her husband overdosed.
A veteran Normal Police officer is accused of stealing—and then trying to return—$12,000 in cash from the residence of someone who overdosed last week.
With the public clamoring for action to reduce gun violence, Congress may soon create a federal grant program that would offer incentives for states to pass so-called “red flag” laws. Those make it easier to take firearms away from unstable people.
The Normal Town Council passed a Welcoming Community ordinance Monday that aims to create a new “check and balance” system for police interactions with immigration officials while still adhering to state and federal law.
