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They're branding it as "Downtown for Everyone"...that's the Downtown Streetscape Project that's cost Bloomingt...

Staff / WGLT Carrillo made those comments on Facebook after her preferred slate of progressive candidates went 0-for-4 in the April 6 election. She said she “looked forward to making Sheila Montney’s and Nick Becker’s life a living hell for the next 2 years,” referring to the Ward 3 and Ward 5 who defeated the two candidates she backed in those races. She also called Montney and Becker, who have never held public office, “dangerous authoritarians.” Mwilambwe said Carrillo’s remarks were “unbecoming of a council member.” “There are countless numbers of young people w...

courtesy It appears there won't be a recount in Bloomington's closest city council race. Illinois State University professor Tom Crumpler leads Realtor Jim Fruin by 19 votes in their Ward 9 race in northeast Bloomington. The Bloomington Election Commission (BEC) said Thursday that 20 vote-by-mail and other outstanding ballots have been returned in that race. Commission Executive Director Tom Mitchell said another 29 ballots could still be counted if they are sent in and were postmarked by Election Day. Outstanding ballots will be counted on April 20. That's when the ballot counts will becom...

Charlie Schlenker / WGLT In Normal, 2,000 more voters cast ballots Tuesday than have ever voted in a town election before. And yet, that's still just over 25% of registered voters. There were 8,536 ballots cast for Normal mayor out of 33,566 registered voters this cycle. The last time out, there were 6,300 odd ballots cast in the mayoral race, then a record total. Turnout this time was 25.4%. Mayor Chris Koos touted the record turnout as a validation of his campaign. So did losing mayoral candidate Marc Tiritilli, who said it shows his views were heard. Yes, but not so fast, said Illinoi...

Staff / WGLT UPDATED 11:30 p.m. | Mboka Mwilambwe claimed victory Tuesday night after defeating two less-experienced opponents in the Bloomington mayoral election. He will become the city's first Black mayor. Mwilambwe campaigned on his experience—10 years on the city council—and a pledge to focus on updating the city’s roads and other infrastructure, and providing core services like public safety and recreation. He will succeed outgoing Mayor Tari Renner, who did not seek a third term. Mwilambwe led with 38.7% of the vote over Mike Straza (36.9%) and Jackie Gunderson (24.1%), w...