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At Phoenix Towers, some tenants are taking the initiative to organize
After years of sustained complaints, some residents at Phoenix Towers in Bloomington are hoping to take matters into their own hands. A handful of tenants living in the downtown apartment building are attempting to form a tenants union or residents council, though their legal rights in doing so appear more limited than that of their peers in other public housing developments.
McLean County Center for Human Services tapped as new regional homeless services lead
McLean County has been a leader in homeless services for years, with the Bloomington-based nonprofit PATH Crisis Center leading the region’s Continuum of Care [CoC] dedicated to ending homelessness. The U.S. Department of Urban Development runs the CoC program nationwide, and the Central Illinois Continuum of Care [CICoC] covers...
Normal receives $50,000 grant for new mural
NORMAL – Normal is the lucky recipient of a new National Endowment for the Arts grant for $50,000. According to a Town of Normal news release, the money will go towards a new mural inside the tunnel of the Uptown Connector underpass. “Projects like Normal’s Uptown Connector underpass mural...
Another council member announces their bid for Normal mayor
NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) — The race to be the next mayor of the Town of Normal just got a bit crowded after a third candidate announced their bid on Monday. According to a press release, Normal Councilwoman Kathleen Lorenz said that she is now in the running to be the next mayor of Normal.
Reducing tax burden said to be key focus for Bloomington council candidate
BLOOMINGTON (25News Now) - Saying he’s passionate about what lies ahead for the city, a political newcomer has announced he’s running for the Bloomington City Council. Roger Bedeker is a candidate in the 2025 election to represent Ward 9 covering parts of northeast Bloomington. Tom Crumpler is the current Ward 9 alderman, but he hasn’t said whether he will seek a second term.
Therapy dogs help McLean County youth improve reading literacy
Convincing reluctant readers to improve their literacy can be difficult. At libraries in and around Bloomington, staff have enlisted man’s best friend to help. Bloomington Public Library [BPL], Carlock Public Library District and Towanda District Library all have programs where youth can read to therapy dogs to help beat reading anxiety or discomfort. Libraries across the nation have similar programs.
Bloomington City Council approves new roadwork
BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council unanimously approved a $6.8 million roadwork contract with Rowe Construction at during last week’s meeting. According to a city news release, the money is going towards the city’s roads most in need of repair. “Approving this contract represents a significant investment...
Bloomington Public Library’s Innovation Lab opens
BLOOMINGTON (25News Now) - The Bloomington Public Library’s $25 million expansion project is now open to the public. The public can now reserve the library’s innovation lab and two recording studios. It’s equipped with 3-D printers, a laser engraver, Cricut-cutting machine, sewing machines and more. The recording...
This Under-The-Radar Aviation Museum In Illinois Will Make You Feel Like You’re In Top Gun
Tucked away in Bloomington, Illinois, the Prairie Aviation Museum is an under-the-radar gem that offers an exhilarating dive into the world of aviation. This museum might not have the widespread fame of other aviation attractions. But it promises an experience that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the...
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