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’); window.MSInputMethodContext && document.documentMode && window.addEventListener(’load’, function() { cssVars({ include:’style,link[href*="lee.ds.css"]’ })}); /*]] */ events and information on Illinois sports, weather, entertainment and lifestyles. 61° Log In Subscribe Guest Logout Read Today’s E-edition News Local Crime State Politics Business Nation & World Education News Tip Obituaries Share a story Recent Obituaries Find an Obituary Archives Opinion Submit a letter Letters Editorials Columnists Cartoons Sports High School College Scores Professional Betting Life & Entertainment Event Calendar Local Milestones Submit a Milestone Arts and Theatre Limited Movies & TV Music TV Book Comics Games Columns Contests and Promotions Play Food & Cooking Home & Garden Health Get Healthy Parenting Fashion People Pets Travel Faith Join the community News tip Share video Send a story Share a photo Brand Ave. Studios Print Edition E-edition E-edition Archives Special Sections Our Publications Woodford County Journal Buy & Sell Place an Ad Jobs Homes Cars Marketplace Shop Local I Love A Deal Bloomington Public Notice Woodford Public Notice Customer Service Manage Subscription Activate Digital Subscription Newsletter sign-up Subscribe Contact us Help Center Mobile Apps Weather: Live Radar Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram © 2024 Lee Enterprises Terms of Service | Privacy Policy Subscribe Read Today’s E-edition Subscribe Log In Welcome, Guest My Subscription See Benefits Members OnlyHelp Center My Account Dashboard Profile Saved items Logout E-edition News Obituaries Sports Opinion Life & Entertainment Jobs 61° Cloudy Bloomington moves forward with proposed TIF district Plans to create a new tax increment financing district in downtown Bloomington are moving ahead. Jury hears from Bloomington detectives, witness who saw shooter in 2020 murder case State prosecutors continued to present their case on Monday in the murder trial for two who are accused in the fatal shooting of a Bloomington man in 2020. Hornseth: The lonely goose; What’s his story? "It is now in the middle of the great migrating season, and we are flush with birds," Tim Hornseth writes. Flick Fact: The busiest — and least-busy — times to grocery shop in B-N? Let’s test your knowledge with today’s quiz from Bill Flick. Bloomington-Normal feels the love on Mother’s Day By sharing warm café beverages, flush flowers, or even just simple quality time together, the Twin Cities were making the most of the day to show their mothers love. See the latest McLean County building permits Who’s building what, and for how much? See the latest local building permits. Flying Horse: Moms Each week, "Flying Horse" features dozens of Central Illinois children’s thoughts and drawings on various topics. This week: Moms James R. Holbert was ’outstanding in his field!’ J.R. Holbert’s obituary stated he undoubtedly did more to bring the benefits of hybrid corn to farmers around the world than any other man.” Looking for art, culture? See the latest Central Illinois exhibits ? Check out the latest exhibits and events Central Illinois museums, galleries and historic sites have to offer. Bloomington-Normal foster moms step up to provide loving, happy homes for kids in need As of April 30, there were 19,272 children in foster care in Illinois, according to DCFS. In McLean County and the eight counties that border it, there are 1,610 children in care. Trump-affiliated group releases new national security book outlining possible second-term approach One group trying to lay the groundwork for a second Donald Trump administration is out with a new policy book that aims to articulate an "America First" national security agenda. Flick Fact: That garage door opener of yours? Where was it born? Let’s test your knowledge with today’s quiz from Bill Flick. Illinois Wesleyan softball wins CCIW Tournament, secures NCAA berth The Titans earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Flick: The magic of ISU graduation ... at age 37 FLICK LITE: Our latest listings, as offered by the readers and your own resident Lite Boy... 50 years ago: Walk for Mankind raises $51K in Bloomington-Normal Fifty years ago, some 2,300 people in Bloomington-Normal walked 20 miles to raise money for charitable causes. This history and more in today’s How Time Flies: Latest marriage licenses for Bloomington-Normal area Congratulations to those tying the knot! ? Northern lights visible across Illinois amid rare geomagnetic storm The northern lights stretched as far south as Northern California and Alabama, and are expected to last into Sunday and possibly early next week. Hundreds enjoy Free Family Day at Tipton Park in Bloomington BLOOMINGTON — Hundreds of Bloomington-Normal families came out Saturday morning to enjoy a Free Family Day at Tipton Park North in Bloomington. East Central Illinois residents get chance to see northern lights Lee Weather Team Meteorologist Joe Martucci said a massive geomagnetic storm brought the northern lights to places that have rarely seen them before, which could continue Saturday night in Illinois. Photos: Normal Lions Club gathers goods for quarterly food drive Other Normal Lions Club food drives are planned from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Aug. 10 and Nov. 9 at the Center for Hope Outreach Food Pantry in Bloomington. On Stage: Community Players’ ’I Hate Hamlet’ is a ghostly good Gotham romp "I Hate Hamlet" runs through May 19 at the Community Players Theatre in Bloomington. Read John D. Poling’s review here: Photos: Northern lights over Central Illinois Community members shared these images from Friday night, May 10, of the northern lights in Coles and Macon counties. The lights may continue to be visible Saturday night, May 11. Northern Lights returns Saturday night for some after a historic Friday night The most significant geomagnetic storm since at least 2003 brought the Northern Lights to places that have rarely seen them before. Parts of America will have another chance Saturday night if you missed it. Flick Fact: The Curvettes, Bush Cats, Scarlet Devils and Life Savers...in B-N? Let’s test your knowledge with today’s quiz from Bill Flick. Bittersweet parting, joyful beginnings as Illinois State sends off 2024 grads There are thousands of students graduating this weekend from Illinois State University. Here’s what some of them had to say as ceremonies kicked off Friday evening. Illinois basketball star Terrence Shannon Jr. to stand trial on Kansas rape charge A Kansas judge has ordered University of Illinois basketball standout Terrence Shannon Jr. to stand trial on a rape charge following testimony from a woman who accused him of assault. Illinois House gives OK to new state agency focused on early childhood programs By the time it’s fully operational in 2026, the new Department of Early Childhood will administer programs currently spread across three agencies. RICH MILLER: Chicago mayor runs into roadblock Coming to town with two weeks left can mean settling for leftovers, and if the budget is as tight as the governor says, there may not be any leftovers. Illinois officials seek greater oversight of prescription drug middlemen Lawmakers and state officials are reviewing the role and oversight of pharmacy benefit managers, often called pharmaceutical "middlemen," who can ultimately dictate what drugs are available to patients and pharmacies. Illinois State University students encouraged to ’Pass It On’ for a more sustainable move-out Bins and box trucks placed outside of residence halls on campus are part of the Pass It On initiative, which collects gently-used items and gives them to students who need them. The Latest Central Illinois homes for big families Central Illinois homes with at least five bedrooms. Budzinski ’optimistic’ on Farm Bill getting across finish line in 2024 But, she cautioned bill could be derailed if provision to make major cuts to SNAP program over 10 years is included. 2 juveniles arrested after shots fired in...