Eric Stock

1 month ago | wcbu.org | Cesar Toscano |Eric Stock

Over the last few years, environmental groups and others in Central Illinois have raised concerns about the region's water potentially becoming contaminated by an emerging technology that's intended to reduce the harm caused by greenhouse gas emissions. State senators responded to those concerns by voting unanimously, 55-0, on Thursday to ban carbon sequestration near the Mahomet Aquifer, the sole source of water for nearly 1 million people in the region, including much of McLean County.

1 month ago | nprillinois.org | Eric Stock

U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] offices would move from Washington, D.C. to Central Illinois under a long shot proposal from a lawmaker who represents parts of Bloomington-Normal. Republican state Rep. Regan Deering of Decatur said the move would provide a big economic boost to the region and improve coordination between farmers and agribusiness leaders.

1 month ago | nprillinois.org | Eric Stock

The threat of tariffs were an overriding concern during a trade trip to Mexico involving business leaders from Illinois, including two from Bloomington-Normal. The Illinois delegation which spent four days in Mexico City last week included close to 70 members from various sectors of the state's economy. There were two key areas of focus: agriculture and advanced manufacturing. John Lumpe is executive director of the Bloomington-based Illinois Soybean Association.

2 months ago | ourcommunitynow.com | Eric Stock

Share McLean County Sheriff Matt Lane has confirmed his office is investigating allegations of election interference involving public school officials on the McLean County school sales tax referendum. Each school district in McLean County voted to put the question on the April 1 ballot. It asks voters if they wish to add a 1% sales tax to most retail purchases, including gasoline and prepared food. It would not apply to groceries, medications, vehicles and professional services.

Feb 25, 2025 | ourcommunitynow.com | Eric Stock

Share McLean County prosecutors have filed attempted murder and other charges against an Arkansas man who allegedly shot at Illinois State Police [ISP] officers earlier this month. Ryan Aeron Stanley Hurst, 18, of Siloam Springs, is accused of firing at Illinois State Police troopers who had pulled him over at a gas station in Lexington on the morning of Feb. 6. Hurst was wanted in connection with an armed robbery in Texas and was allegedly driving a stolen car.