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Articles by Bella Marello
Bloomington City Council addresses shooting, council dispute, and data center regulations
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington City Council addressed the recent fatal shooting, a disagreement between Ward 9 Council Member Abby Scott and Ward 3 Council Member Sheila Montney and the ongoing discussion surrounding data center regulations during its meeting on Monday. During discussion of the consent agenda, Scott raised concerns about gun violence in Bloomington, pointing to mental health and a factor. “One of the things that we can control is funding for mental health,” Scott said.
Bloomington-Normal Jaycees trim the 2026 holiday parade route, skipping Normal
The annual Bloomington-Normal Jaycees Holiday Parade is aiming to make participation easier by shortening the route for its 96th year. The parade used to go from Kingsley Junior High School to Downtown Bloomington, travelling through Bloomington and Normal for two and a half miles. Now, the parade will go from Miller Park to Downtown Bloomington, travelling only through Bloomington and cutting the route down to 1.3 miles. The parade is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, starting on Wood Street.
School of Social Work simulation puts students in shoes of future clients
Illinois State University’s School of Social Work drew a record 85 students to its 18th annual poverty simulation, where participants spent the morning of October 26 navigating the realities of life on a limited income. Dr. Stacey Wiggins, assistant instructional professor in the School of Social Work, attributed the record attendance to a growing number of social work majors drawn to the field’s career opportunities and the chance to advocate for people experiencing poverty and other challenges.
From Marine to superintendent: Shannon Anderson ’96 finds calling in education at Illinois State
Fresh out of high school in 1988, Shannon Anderson ‘96 stepped onto a set of painted yellow footprints at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. He arrived with a group who would become his platoon. The yellow footprints marked the beginning of nearly four years of service that would take Anderson around the world—eventually leading to a career in education and leadership. “I’ll remember that day forever,” Anderson said nearly three decades later.
New partnership gives ISU health science students get streamlined path to medical school with new Midwest University partnership
A new partnership gives health science students at Illinois State University [ISU] a streamlined path to medical school and other healthcare professions. An agreement with Midwestern University guarantees interviews for qualified ISU students applying to Midwestern's programs in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, optometry, podiatric medicine, veterinary medicine and other health sciences disciplines.
MacArthur 'Genius' Jeremy Denk plays rare Bartók concerto in Illinois Symphony debut
The Illinois Symphony Orchestra [ISO] will bring a visually inspired performance to the stage this month, featuring world-renowned pianist Jeremy Denk in his Bloomington-Normal debut, plus a U.S. premiere by composer Bernd Richard Deutsch and Mussorgsky's celebrated Pictures at an Exhibition. Pictures in Motion is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21 in the newly renovated concert hall at Illinois State University's Center for the Performing Arts.
Voters signal rejection of data centers, grocery tax and pro-Israel laws in nonbinding ballot questions
Bloomington-Normal voters overwhelmingly supported a range of nonbinding advisory referenda during Tuesday's midterm election, signaling strong opinions against data centers, Bloomington's grocery tax and financial entanglement with Israel. These measures are advisory, meaning the outcome only expresses voter intent. They do not mandate elected officials to act in any way. But they are a way to signal voter sentiment and inform local and state lawmakers and policy makers.
Normal Town Council approves property tax reduction
NORMAL, Ill. – The Normal Town council unanimously approved the 2026 property tax levy, with a price reduction. “This is arguably one of the more important things we vote on all year,” council member Kathleen Lorenz said. According to council member Scott Preston, this is not only a reduction in the rate that property owners will be paying for their town portion of their property taxes, but it is also a dollar reduction for the average homeowner.
Illustrating possibilities: Illinois State art students help envision future of Eastland Mall property
Four Illinois State University students learned to work beyond their individual artistic instincts while illustrating possibilities for what Bloomington’s Eastland Mall could become. They balanced competing ideas, adapted to client expectations, and collaborated under a deadline, all while knowing their work would be seen by a community eager to reimagine the property, which is currently in the process of being sold to a new developer.
Bloomington City Council approves initial steps toward Eastland Mall renovation
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington City Council unanimously approved three measures advancing the proposed redevelopment of Eastland Mall. “This is a big deal,” Senior Deputy City Manager Billy Tyus said.
Nornaml Town Council approves ammonia removal testing kit
Image by Bella Marello NORMAL, Ill. – The Normal Town Council accepted a proposal from Veolia Water Technologies for ammonia removal pilot testing equipment. The Town of Normal previously tried a different type of testing that failed. Council member Kathleen Lorenz pulled the item from the voting agenda for discussion and asked Normal Water Department Director John Burkhart why the last test failed and what will be different about this test.
Film on Minnesota's response to ICE operations to screen at Normal Theater
Not In Our Town Bloomington-Normal [NIOT] will screen a new documentary Sunday, Oct. 18, examining how Minnesota residents stood up for their immigrant neighbors. The free screening of Minnesota Neighbors starts at 3 p.m. at the Normal Theater. Film director and NIOT founder Patrice O'Neill said the film covers the winter of 2026, when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement [ICE] intensified its operations in Minneapolis and St. Paul under an initiative known as Operation Metro Surge.
McLean County plans appeal after federal disaster assistance denied
County officials hope updated documentation, estimates, invoices and receipts will strengthen a denied aid request following severe storms that damaged areas of McLean County in August. The county has continued gathering information since its request for federal financial assistance was sent to President Donald Trump on Sept. 16. The request called for $46 million. Approximately $17,000 of that request was approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] and sent to Trump.
Normal presents campus and roadway pedestrain saftey to Normal Town Council
Image taken by Bella Marello NORMAL, Ill. – The Normal Town Council sat in on a presentation of the Normal pedestrian and roadway campus safety initiative. According to Normal Public Works and Engineering Director Ryan Otto, the initiative strives to understand traffic concerns and improve traffic challenges. “Ultimately, it’s about improving safety and mobility on the Illinois State campus, but also for the entire community,” Otto said.
Volunteer program celebrates 10 years of building Bloomington-Normal kids a place to sleep
For a decade, the West Bloomington Revitalization Project 's Bed Blitz Program has been building beds for local children, many of whom previously had no bed to call their own. "We see the excitement right on these kid's faces, followed by the happy tears of mom or dad that they're gonna know that tonight their kiddo, maybe for the first time, will be able to sleep in a bed," Bed Blitz Program Co-Chairman and Co-Founder Robert Bosquez said. On Oct.
City of Bloomington Council approves drone police department drone installation
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The City of Bloomington Council unanimously approved the $110,000 installation of police drones. “There’re several agencies around the state that are taking this technology and using it as a force multiplier for their missions and their communities, and we see fit that we need to do this here as well,” Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington said. Ward 7 Council Member Mollie Ward pulled this item from the consent agenda during the council’s meeting Monday night.
Computer science student embraces opportunity and aims high as Bone Scholar
Senior computer science major Neer Jain arrived at Illinois State University ready to say “yes” to every opportunity that crossed his path. Along the way, he found the confidence to aim even higher. “There was a time where I felt I’m just average. But once I came over here, I actually felt like, ‘You know what? I think I can do it.’ The Bone Scholarship provided me with that validation,” Jain said. Jain is one of 14 Illinois State University students named Robert G.
Normal Town Council extends suspension on data centers
Image by Bella Marello NORMAL, Ill. – The Normal Town Council extended the moratorium on data centers through May 31, 2027. This legal suspension means the Town of Normal will not accept any data center applications or land use until the moratorium expires. Council member Kathleen Lorenz said the previous moratorium was intended to learn more, gather data, talk with Bloomington and hold public sessions. She asked what the town learned from that first moratorium time frame.
New RSOs connect Redbirds through shared passions
Several new registered student organizations (RSOs) joined over 500 groups available for students to experience at Illinois State University. From academic and professional organizations to groups centered around hobbies and culture, RSOs help Redbirds find their place on campus. Browse the full list of groups at RedbirdLife.IllinoisState.edu/Organizations.
Moratorium on data centers extended by Normal Town Council
The Normal Town Council extended the moratorium, a legal pause, on data centers through May 31, 2027. “We don't want to be first. We want to be best,” Normal Mayor Chris Koos said. This moratorium extension will allow the Town of Normal to gather more information on data centers, community opinions, state actions, surrounding community action and Bloomington action before a data center recommendation for the town is made. The initial moratorium on data centers was set to expire in November.
Bloomington City Council sits in on storm cleanup update
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The City of Bloomington has submitted for federal grants to help with storm cleanup. Bloomington City Council sat in on a presentation of this grant submission on Monday. Severe storms hit McLean County on Aug. 13, and the City of Bloomington is still working on getting the community back in shape. “Our crews have done a fantastic job. I know there are still some things to get [and] some cleanup to do, and they will obviously get to that,” City Manager Jeff Jurgens said. On Aug.
Normal Town Council sets pedestrian bridge project construction in motion
Image taken by Bella Marello NORMAL, Ill. – Normal Town Council approved the start of a pedestrian bridge project construction on Linden Street during their meeting Tuesday. The resolution to accept bids and award the construction contract to Stark Excavating was approved unanimously. Council Member Karyn Smith asked how traffic on Linden Street will be handled while the construction is underway.
Bloomington Council Meeting – Aug 24
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The City of Bloomington approved a contract with Teska Associates for the West Bloomington Quality of Life Road Map and made amendments to the Bloomington zoning code. At the meeting, City Manager Jeff Jurgens announced a Data Center City/Town Panel Discussion on Wednesday at 5-8 p.m. at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. Community questions can be submitted electronically through Bloomington’s Data Center Information Hub.
Illinois State Batters Storm, Many Left Without Power
Images courtesy Illinois State Students NORMAL, IL. – On Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service [NWS] reported that McLean County was hit by 1.64 inches of rain in one hour. The storms caused damage to telephone poles, trees, and buildings on Illinois State University’s campus and the surrounding communities. “It kind of looked like a hurricane out there with all the wind and all the rain,” Garrett Sanders, a visitor from Northern Illinois, said.
COUNTRY Financial supports Illinois State students beyond scholarships
Extending support beyond financial scholarships, COUNTRY Financial offered a networking and career exploration opportunity for Illinois State University students on Friday, April 10. Student recipients of COUNTRY Financial scholarships visited the company’s headquarters in Bloomington for the program, where they heard from a panel of professionals and met with talent recruiters.
FIREbird Grant fuels undergraduate research in atomic physics at Illinois State
Undergraduate students at Illinois State University do not have to wait years to begin research, and for James Aygun, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in physics, that early access has led to grants, publications, and a future in the field of physics. During his sophomore year in a Methods of Theoretical Physics class, Aygun met University Professor of Physics Allison Harris, who recognized his quiet determination and strong work ethic.
AFSCME Local 1110 reaches tentative agreement with ISU
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1110 reached a tentative agreement with Illinois State University on Monday night. According to AFSCME Local 1110 Public Affairs Director Anders Lindall, the next step is voting on the agreement. “Union members will next have the opportunity to review and vote on the tentative agreement at ratification meetings, after which highlights of the agreement will be shared,” Lindall said. The vote date is to be determined.
Graduating Redbirds: Criminal justice major supports peers, families during Illinois State journey
Illinois State University senior Trinity Carroll built a college experience centered on supporting others while preparing for a future in social work. Balancing a resident assistant position, an internship, and a peer success advocate job—all while earning a 4.0 GPA—Carroll’s hard work will pay off as she graduates in May with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Normal extends storm emergency, moves forward on energy storage zoning
Image taken by Bella Marello NORMAL, Ill. – Normal Town Council extended an emergency declaration and initiated the zoning of a battery energy storage system. An emergency meeting was called by the Town of Normal to address continued local disaster emergency proclamation authority, following the tornadoes Bloomington-Normal saw on Friday. At this meeting at 6:55 p.m. on Monday, Mayor Chris Koos signed an order for the weather disaster on Saturday.
Earth Day Breakfast talk, farmers market promote sustainable food production
A farmers market added fresh flavor to Illinois State University’s 2026 Earth Day Breakfast featuring best-selling author Kelsey Timmerman on Wednesday, April 22, in the Bone Student Center’s Brown Ballroom. Nearly 400 guests browsed the market before and after Timmerman’s talk. It featured locally grown vegetables, sustainable soaps, organic jams and herbs, homemade baked goods, essential oils, and a wide variety of plants.
Anti-abortion movement on quad faces student criticism
WeDignify, a Catholic anti-abortion organization, held a display on Illinois State University’s Quad. Volunteers started setting up 1,400 white paper crosses in the grass at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, with each cross representing two lives lost every day to abortion in what they called the Cemetery of the Innocents. WeDignify missionary and senior political science major Braiden Gonzalez is the president of ISU’s weDignify chapter.
Bloomington City Council approves Connect Transit transfer station project
Image from Connect Transit, showing the planned building. BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington City Council approved the start of construction for a Connect Transit transfer station. Senior Deputy City Manager Billy Tyus walked the council through the Connect Transit ordinance. “This project replaces the Front Street, which is really a bus stop, with a facility that purposely takes into account the downtown’s history, but also is a nod to the modern elements that we all want to see,” Tyus said.
Normal Town Council unanimously adopts ethics code
Image taken by Bella Marello NORMAL, Ill. – The Normal Town Council unanimously approved a new code of ethics on Monday, marking what supporters called a step toward rebuilding public trust in government. The code was first proposed in February by former McLean County Board member and community activist Barbara Stuart, who urged council members to consider the lasting impact of their decisions before the vote.
Thousands of Bloomington-Normal residents protest the Trump administration
Bloomington-Normal residents gathered on the lawn outside the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts to protest the Trump administration. At noon on Saturday, the “No Kings” protest brought together students, community members and several community organizations as speakers started chants, read poems and encouraged the crowd to speak out against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and recent governmental actions. A few Bloomington-Normal protestors.
Driven to lead: Elianna Lovejoy’s engineering technology path from intern to manager
Rather than assigning projects and stepping away, Elianna Lovejoy ’18, M.S. ’19, makes a point to sit beside her team to work through tasks at Bridgestone Off-the-Road Tire Plant in Normal. “I’ll pull up my chair right next to their desk and help,” Lovejoy said.
Primary Election results, McLean County
Image courtesy of McLean County NORMAL, Ill. – Voters cast 13,614 ballots in the Illinois primary election in McLean County, out of 62,078 registered voters. In the city of Bloomington, 10,688 ballots were cast out of 52,315 registered voters. The unofficial results for McLean County are as follows: Federal U.S. Senator Don Tracy (Rep) won with 2,679 votes, and Juliana Stratton (Dem) won with 3,801 votes.
Get to the polls: CCE demystifies voting process for students ahead of March 17 election
As the primary election approaches in Illinois on Tuesday, March 17, staff with Illinois State’s Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) are eager to provide clarity about the voting process and get more students to the polls.
Community urges Normal Town Council to oppose Glenn closure
Image taken by Bella Marello NORMAL, Ill. – The community urged the Normal Town Council to do what it can to stop Glenn Elementary School from closing. The council stood with the community. McLean County Unit 5 School District is proposing the closing and repurposing of Glenn Elementary School to serve as the 18-22 transition program currently at Eugene Field School.
Bloomington City Council previews new budget
The proposed budget totals about $370.5 million, a 6.8% increase from last year. It includes a 38% increase in the capital budget for infrastructure projects and a 0.71% increase in the general fund. City Manager Jeff Jurgens introduced the presentation from Finance Director Scott Rathbun, who outlined how the data was compiled. “It’s a very rigorous line-item review, and it sets us up to get to this point,” Rathbun said.
Fire station relocation debate continues in Normal
Image taken by Bella Marello NORMAL, Ill. – Discussion over relocating Normal Fire Department Station 2 continued at the Normal Town Council meeting Monday. The town previously presented data showing no major change in fire response times if the station is relocated, emphasizing a four- to six-minute response time goal.
Archival treasures showcased in pop-up museum during Founding Celebration Week
For a few days of Illinois State’s Founding Celebration Week, the University’s 169-year history was not confined to the Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives in a warehouse three miles north of campus; it was front and center, inviting students to take a closer look and reconsider what they know about Illinois State.
Beyond Normal: Study abroad offers range of immersive trips
From South Africa to Spain to Japan, Illinois State University students are taking their education far beyond Normal. Through the University’s Office of International Engagement, Redbirds can earn academic credit while experiencing cultures from around the world through a range of immersive trips with study abroad programs.
Bloomington City Council approves new police handguns after safety and buyback debate
Image courtesy of the City of Bloomington BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington City Council discussed and voted on an action proposing the purchase of new handguns for the Bloomington Police Department. Ward 7 Council member Mollie Ward pulled the item from the consent agenda to amend the action. Ward’s amended version of the item failed, and the unamended version passed with one “no” vote from Ward.
Drum major Judah Crowder sets historic tempo for Big Red Marching Machine
The moment Judah Crowder stepped up to lead the Big Red Marching Machine as a drum major in 2025, she made history at Illinois State University. Crowder, a junior music education major, is the first Black, female drum major to conduct the collegiate marching band of 400 Redbird musicians. “My grandma told me, ‘You’re going to be a powerful leader.
Data shows fire station move won’t hurt response times, Council pushes back
Image taken by Bella Marello NORMAL, Ill. – Town officials told the Normal Town Council Monday that relocating a fire station would not slow emergency response times, presenting GIS-based data that sparked an intense and detailed debate among council members over how fire coverage is measured and planned. On Monday, Feb.
Bloomington redisents speak out as the Bloomington City Council approves a citywide ban
Image courtesy of the City of Bloomington BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – After hearing impassioned testimony from residents on both sides, the Bloomington City Council approved a citywide ban on kratom during its Monday meeting. Ward 2 Council member Michael Mosley introduced the ordinance and urged his colleagues to support the amendment. “This ordinance comes from a place of caring for our neighbors and taking residents’ concerns seriously,” Mosley said.
Firefighters call for transparency and warn Normal council of slower response times with station relocation
Image taken by Bella Marello NORMAL, Ill. – The Normal Town Council faced some strong criticism from the community Tuesday during its biweekly town council meeting, with five public speakers urging the council not to relocate Normal Fire Station No. 2. Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois President Chuck Sullivan emphasized that the association found in its updated fire station location study that fire response times in Normal would increase from roughly four to six minutes with the relocation.
Bloomington City Council considers solar project, approves zoning ordinance
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington City Council met Monday, Jan. 12, to hear public comment on solar energy issues and to approve amendments and additions to downtown zoning codes. City Manager Jeff Jurgens also provided a project update report to the council and the public.
Holiday Helper program wraps up another season of giving
The rustle of wrapping paper and festive flurry of volunteers filled Illinois State University’s Civil Service Testing Center on December 2 as the Holiday Helper program wrapped up another season of giving. Coordinated by Illinois State’s Center for Civic Engagement (CCE), the Holiday Helper program connects university and community volunteers with local children in need for the holiday season.
Image courtesy of the City of Bloomington BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington City Council met Monday, Dec. 8, and opened its meeting with new committee appointments before turning to union remarks and a lengthy debate over proposed changes to the city’s bulk waste collection services. During public comment, AFSCME Council 31 staff representative Renee Nestler spoke on behalf of AFSCME Local 699, which represents public works and parks employees.
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