The show at the Interstate Center will involve 300 drones and include animation elements, custom audio and synchronization provided by Firefly Services.

A series of rules changes by the state's highest court is aimed at attracting new lawyers to work in areas of the state with dire need. Nine out of 10 lawyers admitted between 2020 and 2024 work in Cook and surrounding counties.

Glen Nelson, vice president of finance and planning at Illinois State University, said the union and ISU continue to have three sticking points concerning back pay and future salary raises. ISU has said it has already offered the union its best and final deal.

Since the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park was backed by the state about two years ago, quantum technology developers have been looking to grow the sector's workforce. "Quantum Across Illinois" is visiting the state's universities, including Illinois State, to recruit students and promote the initiative.

Superintendent David Mouser said facilities upgrades are underway as coffers fill from the new county school sales tax. But that revenue hasn't had a significant impact on a shortage of mental health professionals working in District 87. An employee said salaries aren't competitive enough to keep school psychologists in the district.

District 87 Superintendent David Mouser said cells phones are the leading cause for disciplinary referrals at Bloomington High School. A new policy rolled out this year bans phones in classrooms.

Ben Hage will take his new position effective June 1. The Petrick Idea Center will open this fall semester at Illinois Wesleyan University.

Here we go again: McLean County and the rest of Illinois will be at an enhanced risk of severe storms Monday. Very large hail, damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, and tornadoes are all possible, according to the National Weather Service.

Illinois State University officials on Friday acknowledged using external companies to perform custodial and grounds work on campus during the AFSCME strike, a claim that the union contends in a lawsuit is a violation of state law. ISU officials maintain they are in compliance with hiring and procurement laws.

Bryce Janssen, public information officer for the Bloomington Police Department, said to avoid scams, go with a trusted contractor or talk with your insurer about recommended contractors. Illinois lawmakers also are looking to stop storm chaser scams.

After more than eight years of trying, the Town of Normal may be able to move ahead with the Trail East and West developments on Uptown Circle. And if council members balk at a price increase for the Uptown Underpass, the town could have to repay millions in grant funding.

McLean County prosecutors said Friday that a 43-year-old Unit 5 junior high school teacher made sexually suggestive remarks to a 13-year-old girl last year. He faces charges of grooming.