Good morning, Bloomington.

The Pantagraph revisits historical events including the optimistic banking outlook of 1924, a heartwarming gift to a polio patient in 1949, economic concerns in 1974, and the opening of The Rock restaurant in 1999.

The Bloomington-Normal public libraries' top checkouts in 2024 span from children's books and series to adult novels, with popular titles including works by Mo Willems and Sarah J.

Mass.

The Normal Police Department is seeking the public's assistance to locate a man suspected of stealing a Roomba vacuum from Menards on December 6.

Dewon Griffin receives an 87-year prison sentence for the 2019 New Year's Eve murder of 17-year-old Tariq Houston in Bloomington.

Qushaun L. Joseph is in custody for allegedly breaking into a home and attempting to abduct a baby, facing several charges including home invasion and attempted child abduction.

Illinois will raise its minimum wage to $15 an hour starting January 1, completing a progressive increase initiated in 2019, impacting workers and businesses across the state.

Prairie Central School District aims to bring a $45 million bond referendum, previously defeated, back to April's ballot for consolidating schools into a new facility by 2027 without raising property tax rates.

Central Illinois hospitals note an increase in respiratory illnesses including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, with officials recommending precautions such as staying home when sick and wearing masks.

Halestorm's Lzzy & Joe: The Living Room Sessions

Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger of the GRAMMY-winning band Halestorm perform an acoustic tour featuring stories and renditions of their favorite songs.