Eric Stock
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Articles by Eric Stock
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.
Rep. Sharon Chung hopes a new Illinois House speaker and IG will better address harassment claims
A state lawmaker from Bloomington who helped stage a coup of the Illinois House speaker is hopeful his removal, along with a new legislative inspector general, will lead to substantive changes in the way harassment and abuse allegations are handled in state government. State Rep. Sharon Chung of Bloomington was one of 26 Illinois House lawmakers who called for Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch to step down from his leadership role.
Rep. Sharon Chung hopes a new Illinois House speaker and IG will better address harassment claims Original
A state lawmaker from Bloomington who helped stage a coup of the Illinois House speaker is hopeful his removal, along with a new legislative inspector general, will lead to substantive changes in the way harassment and abuse allegations are handled in state government. State Rep. Sharon Chung of Bloomington was one of 26 Illinois House lawmakers who called for Emanuel 'Chris' Welch to step down from his leadership role.
Central Illinois Rotary district hosts cultural exchange with India
Rotary International members from India have been staying with Bloomington-Normal Rotary host families this past week, as part of a monthlong cultural exchange. This time last year, their Illinois counterparts were in India. The exchanges give insight into differences between societies, and what we can learn from each other and maybe put in place, said Nisha Shekhawat, a member of the delegation.
Mayor Koos says there's been a 'lot of chatter' but no active interest in granny flats in Normal
Mayor Chris Koos said he expects the Town of Normal will have new zoning rules in place by the end of the year to help address the housing shortage, though proposals are not likely to significantly expand the housing supply. One proposal would allow for accessory dwelling units [ADUs] known as granny flats. Koos said he's heard "a lot of chatter" about those kinds of housing units from potentially interested parties, but no active demand.
U.S. Rep. LaHood beats Democratic challenger Paul Nolley in Illinois' 16th District Original
U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood won re-election for a seventh term in Washington, fending off a challenge from a political newcomer who benefitted from Republican unrest but could not overcome a political map that heavily favors the incumbent. With 60% of votes tallied, the Associated Press announced LaHood, R-Dunlap, had defeated Paul Nolley by a 17-point margin to win in the 16th Congressional District.
U.S. Rep. Sorensen defeats challenger Vancil, winning 3rd term in Congress Original
U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen has defeated political newcomer Dillan Vancil to win election to a third term in Congress. Sorensen, a Democrat from Moline who built his name recognition through a 22-year career as a television meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities, had won 61.9% of the vote with with 70% of the votes counted. The race was called by the Associated Press just before 9 p.m. central time.
Bloomington police continue to look for more information in a mass shooting near Illinois Wesleyan | First Listen
Eric Stock gives a deeper look at the mass shooting near in Bloomington over the weekend.
NCAA Tournament remains 'north star' for Ryan Pedon and ISU men's basketball
The Illinois State men's basketball team has gotten better each season during Ryan Pedon's four years as head coach. From 11 wins in 2023 to 23 wins last season and a trip to the NIT Final Four. But Pedon makes clear that he's not satisfied. As he opens his fifth season on the ISU sidelines Monday night when the Redbirds play at Saint Mary's College in California, Pedon said the goal is to end the NCAA Tournament drought that's now lasted 28 seasons.
'Sad and frightening' for that neighborhood
Local, state and federal officials are responding to the mass shooting early Sunday near the Illinois Wesleyan University campus. One person was killed and seven others were injured, including two IWU students and one Illinois State University student. The shooting near Division and East streets occurred in Bloomington's Ward 7, where Mollie Ward is the city council member. "I don't really have words at this point to describe how sad and frightening this is for that block.
1 killed, 7 others injured in shooting near Illinois Wesleyan University campus
Bloomington Police say one person was killed and seven others injured in an early morning shooting near Illinois Wesleyan University on Sunday. It's the second mass shooting near a college campus in Bloomington-Normal this year. No one is in custody in Sunday's shooting, and police do not have suspect information. Bloomington Police were called to the 100 block of East Division Street at about 1:23 a.m. [before the time change] for a report of multiple shots fired.
Peoria County Sheriff’s Office investigates 2 deaths in West Peoria
Peoria County Sheriff Chris Watkins said his office is investigating the deaths of two people whose bodies were found Friday inside a West Peoria apartment. Watkins said sheriff’s deputies were called to the 1500 block of North Pierson Avenue around 1:30 p.m. after a landlord reported finding an adult male and an adult female dead inside the residence. Their names have not yet been released pending notification of family.
Lots of new faces bring Kristen Gillespie 'cautious optimism' heading into ISU women's basketball season
The Illinois State women's basketball team has it sights set on another postseason run in 2027. Head coach Kristen Gillespie and the Redbirds prepare for another season amidst a changing landscape in college basketball. The Redbirds come off a 24-14 overall record in 2026. A 13-7 Missouri Valley Conference record that saw a second-round exit in the MVC conference tournament in Coralville, Iowa. Illinois State went on to a runner-up finish in the 2026 WNIT.
Dale Township Fire Protection District asks voters to weigh property tax increase
facing some McLean County voters would raise taxes in the Dale Township Fire Protection District to avoid staffing cuts, according to the fire chief. Chief Ryan Gibson said all three passing would equal about $133 more in taxes based on a $100,000 valuation. So, the owner of a $250,000 home, which is near the average value of a home in McLean County, would pay about $330 more a year. The district covers 36.4 square miles in rural southwestern McLean County.
Redbird athletes will don jersey patches through Illinois Farm Bureau sponsorship deal
Illinois State University student-athletes will now be wearing sponsorship patches on their jerseys. Redbird Athletics has announced a marketing agreement with the Illinois Farm Bureau, Country Financial, Prairie Farms, Growmark and IAA Credit Union. The patches will debut at ISU's volleyball match vs. Valparaiso at 6 p.m. Friday at CEFCU Arena. The Redbird football team will sport them for their game Saturday at Hancock Stadium vs. Murray State.
East Peoria woman arrested in McLean County overdose death Original
An East Peoria woman has been arrested in connection with a drug overdose death in LeRoy. The McLean County Sheriff's Office said U.S. Marshals arrested Mary Hammel, 40, in Tazewell County on Tuesday on a preliminary charge of drug-induced homicide. Sheriff Matt Lane said the department's narcotics investigative unit assisted in the investigation which began on Sept. 30 after a death which occurred in the 200 block of West Cherry Street.
12 candidates file for Bloomington and Normal council seats
Bloomington and Normal will both have contested council races next spring. The city council seats up for grabs in April 2027 are nonpartisan positions, meaning candidates do not run with a declared party affiliation. Eight candidates filed to run for Bloomington City Council before the filing period ended Monday, according to the Bloomington Election Commission. In Ward 2 in southwest Bloomington, incumbent Micheal Mosley and Roman Stephens have filed for the seat.
McLean County Clerk campaign may face fines for late donation filings
McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael's campaign could face fines for late and incomplete filings with the Illinois State Board of Elections, a board official said Monday. Michael, a Republican seeking a fifth term, faces Democratic challenger Joshua Crockett in the Nov. 3 election. Michael submitted a Statement of Organization with the state board on Oct. 20, the day after a WGLT reporter asked about Crockett's significant cash advantage in the race.
City manager says Normal is watching statewide data center talks, shared sales tax negotiation
The Town of Normal is still mulling over public testimony in the Twin Cities and McLean County from Bloomington's planning commission hearing on data centers earlier this month. At the Oct. 17 meeting, citizens overwhelmingly spoke out against the prospect of a data center.
How fundraising and endorsements may shape the midterm election in McLean County
A $75,000 contribution from Gov. JB Pritzker 's campaign weeks before the election turbocharged the McLean County Democratic Party's already substantial financial advantage as the party seeks to defend its county board majority and seize its first countywide elected office in decades. A review of campaign finance records in McLean County also shows donations from an energy company that will be seeking approval for a controversial carbon capture project.
How fundraising and endorsements may shape the midterm election in McLean County
8 hours ago Billionaire investor Ken Griffin believes Republicans blundered by extending President Donald Trump’s signature tax cuts last summer and casting aside the growing national debt. “It’s the Republicans, I think, have their hands dirtier with the tax cuts of the last two years than with the spending …
Early voting options expand in Bloomington-Normal as election nears
Election authorities in McLean County say turnout has been brisk so far for early and mail-in voting. As of Thursday morning, nearly 10% of voters in McLean County - over 12,000 people - have already cast ballots for the Nov. 3 election. "Usually we average 50-60 voters a day by now. We have been averaging over 100 a day for two weeks," said McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael, whose office oversees elections in the county outside of Bloomington.
For the first time, McLean County Democrats seek to defend majority control
Democrats in McLean County find themselves in an unusual position heading into this election. For the first time, the party is looking to hold on to power on the county board. McLean County's main governing body had historically been led by Republicans. That is, until 2024, when Democrats won a majority of seats on the 20-member board. Democrats hold 12 seats, all in Bloomington-Normal. Republicans hold eight seats, mostly representing smaller communities and rural areas.
Advocates say OCD treatment helps people 'live in the present'
Constant intrusive thoughts that come with obsessive-compulsive disorder [OCD] can be exhausting. That's an experience shared by Normal's Claire Nichols. She said when she was a child, her OCD began with frequent bathroom visits.
Differing types of public service shape key McLean County Board race
If Republicans hope to win back control of the McLean County Board in the upcoming election, they will need to flip three Democratic seats. Taking two seats would lead to a tie. The GOP has its eye on one seat that represents south Bloomington which has no incumbent on the ballot. The two candidates running for the open seat in McLean County Board District 9 [south Bloomington] are both new to the county board but have served the community in different ways.
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 in no hurry to consider new rules for data center operators, e-scooters
While the City of Bloomington plans to release a draft of proposed data center regulations this week, the Town of Normal is keeping its moratorium in place until at least next spring and possibly longer. Normal Mayor Chris Koos said the town's decision to extend a six-month moratorium through early 2027 would help it prepare for any new state regulations that could come this fall.
Bartonville man dies in head-on collision
The Peoria County coroner’s office is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash in Bartonville. Bartonville police and fire crews responded to the crash at 1008 W. Garfield Ave. at about 5:55 p.m. Friday. Coroner Jamie Harwood said David E. Mason, 70, of Bartonville, was killed instantly in a head-on collision. Mason drove one of the vehicles. He died of multiple injuries, according to the coroner. Harwood said toxicology testing is pending.
Ecology Action Center reaffirms recycling efforts after data shows McLean County rates decreasing
The recycling rate in McLean County is not as high as an environmental nonprofit had hoped and worked for leading up to 2026. The Ecology Action Center [EAC] has announced the 2025 waste generation and recycling rate of the county was 41%, and the rate of the year before was actually 43%. Last year, EAC reported the county's recycling rate topped 50% for the first time, a long-term effort which was finally reached.
El Paso church where Fulton Sheen was baptized to host beatification watch party
Peoria-area native Archbishop Fulton Sheen will be beatified Sept. 24 in St. Louis — the first beatification ever held in Missouri. St. Mary's Church in El Paso will host a watch party for the ceremony in the same parish hall where Sheen was baptized. Beth Miller, a parish member and president of the Woodford County Historical and Genealogical Society, said people often forget Sheen's ties to El Paso. "I just don't know if they realize how important he's been to the faith," Miller said.
Gov. Pritzker seeks disaster declaration for McLean County following August storms
Gov. JB Pritzker has requested a presidential major disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] for McLean and seven other counties that sustained heavy damage following storms that hit the state Aug. 11-16. The storm, which hit McLean County August 13 and 14, included strong winds, heavy rains and flooding.
Woman dies in Peoria County crash
A 35-year-old woman has died following a two-vehicle crash in Rome on Monday morning. Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said in a social media post that emergency crews were called to Illinois Route 29 and Knox Street at about 7:15 a.m. for a reported crash with serious injuries. The woman died at a Peoria hospital, Harwood said. Her identity has not been released pending notification of family. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by Illinois State Police.
New law makes medical aid in dying possible in McLean County — if you can find a provider
Illinois' medical aid in dying law takes effect tomorrow. Terminally ill adults across the state will have the legal option to request medication from a physician to end their lives. In McLean County, it might not be that easy. The region's two major hospital systems have either declined to participate in the new law or have not yet said where they stand. Local hospice and care providers have not responded to interview requests. The county coroner's office does not plan to weigh in.
Bloomington-Normal not immune from journalism and media cuts
It’s been a tumultuous few weeks for Bloomington-Normal media. The owner of The Pantagraph, Davenport, Iowa-based Lee Enterprises, let go its Central Illinois executive editor Aug. 19 in an apparent cost-cutting move. It’s the latest in a long string of reductions at the Bloomington newspaper. Kelsey Watznauer, who was promoted to the role nine months ago, was responsible for news content in Lee’s papers in Bloomington, Decatur, Mattoon and Eureka. She was told her position was eliminated.
Data center energy consumption raises concerns about long-term costs and reliability
Illinois has positioned itself as a leader in the data center sector. The state has several advantages that have made it attractive to data center operators. It has a relatively stable energy grid. The Midwest has cheaper electricity than you'll find on either coast. And for now, data centers are largely unregulated in Illinois. In fact the state until recently had offered financial incentives for data center developers. The strategy paid off. Illinois is home to more than 240 data centers.
McLean County among 15 Illinois counties included in state disaster proclamation
Gov. JB Pritzker has issued a disaster proclamation for McLean County and 14 other Illinois counties following severe storms and flooding last week. Champaign, Ford, Marshall and Tazewell counties are also included in the proclamation, which makes additional state resources available to assist response and recovery efforts. "I know these storms have impacted countless Illinois families and requires we band together to help them recover.
McLean County among 15 Illinois counties included in state disaster proclamation
Gov. JB Pritzker has issued a disaster proclamation for McLean County and 14 other Illinois counties following severe storms and flooding last week. Champaign, Ford, Marshall and Tazewell counties are also included in the proclamation, which makes additional state resources available to assist response and recovery efforts. "I know these storms have impacted countless Illinois families and requires we band together to help them recover.
McLean County among 15 Illinois counties included in state disaster proclamation
Gov. JB Pritzker has issued a disaster proclamation for McLean County and 14 other Illinois counties following severe storms and flooding last week. Champaign, Ford, Marshall and Tazewell counties are also included in the proclamation, which makes additional state resources available to assist response and recovery efforts. "I know these storms have impacted countless Illinois families and requires we band together to help them recover.
McLean County among 15 Illinois counties included in state disaster proclamation
Gov. JB Pritzker has issued a disaster proclamation for McLean County and 14 other Illinois counties following severe storms and flooding last week. Champaign, Ford, Marshall and Tazewell counties are also included in the proclamation, which makes additional state resources available to assist response and recovery efforts. "I know these storms have impacted countless Illinois families and requires we band together to help them recover.
McLean County among 15 Illinois counties included in state disaster proclamation
Gov. JB Pritzker has issued a disaster proclamation for McLean County and 14 other Illinois counties following severe storms and flooding last week. Champaign, Ford, Marshall and Tazewell counties are also included in the proclamation, which makes additional state resources available to assist response and recovery efforts. "I know these storms have impacted countless Illinois families and requires we band together to help them recover.
Tazewell County among 15 Illinois counties included in state disaster proclamation
Gov. JB Pritzker has issued a disaster proclamation for Tazewell County and 14 other Illinois counties following severe storms and flooding last week. Champaign, Ford, Marshall and McLean counties are also included in the proclamation, which makes additional state resources available to assist response and recovery efforts. "I know these storms have impacted countless Illinois families and requires we band together to help them recover.
Tri-County region spared from brunt of storm that struck Bloomington-Normal
A severe storm system that damaged buildings, downed trees and left thousands without power in Bloomington-Normal on Thursday largely spared the Tri-County region. Jason Marks, director of emergency management and preparedness for Peoria County, said the storm produced a lot of rain locally, but not much more. “What we’ve been made aware of here is, no significant damage has been reported to us,” said Marks.
Peoria County man identified in fatal semi crash
A Peoria County man has been identified as the driver who died in a single-vehicle crash Friday in Fulton County. In a news release, Fulton County Coroner Austin Rhodes said Todd Brown, 54, of Hanna City, was killed after his semi tractor-trailer drove off the northbound lanes of Illinois Route 97, just north of the intersection of North East Street and West Carter Street in Fairview, and struck a tree. The crash happened around 2:45 p.m. Brown was pronounced dead at the scene.
Weatherman-turned-congressman Eric Sorensen wants to guide weather preparedness from D.C.
Eric Sorensen is the only meteorologist serving in Congress. The former television weatherman is looking to use that experience to help shape federal policy to help keep Americans safe from weather disasters. For about two decades, Sorensen advised his television viewers when to get to the basement when a tornado was coming or when to get off the icy roads.
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