From the WTLT newsroom, I'm John Norton. Bloomington and Normal Police say they are seeing more and more realistic looking fake guns, especially among juveniles. The issue came to the forefront following a fatal shooting of a 15 year old suspect in February.

From the WTLT newsroom, I'm John Norton. Bloomington and Normal Police say they are seeing more and more realistic looking fake guns, especially among juveniles. The issue came to the forefront following a fatal shooting of a 15 year old suspect in February.

The teen was carrying a BB gun that's made to look identical to its bullet firing twin. Officers didn't know it was fake. Bloomington police spokesperson Officer Bryce Jansen says they come across imitation guns frequently.

The teen was carrying a BB gun that's made to look identical to its bullet firing twin. Officers didn't know it was fake. Bloomington police spokesperson Officer Bryce Jansen says they come across imitation guns frequently.

There's many cases a year where, you know, a juvenile will have a realistic gun sitting on the back seat or in their backpack, something of that nature.

There's many cases a year where, you know, a juvenile will have a realistic gun sitting on the back seat or in their backpack, something of that nature.

Federal rules don't require any markings on BB guns to denote their fake. Illinois merely prohibits sales to those under 13.

Federal rules don't require any markings on BB guns to denote their fake. Illinois merely prohibits sales to those under 13.

Unemployment in Bloomington normally dropped below 3% last month, the lowest in the state. The area workforce is still down more than 2000 jobs over the last year. Manufacturing made up a bulk of those job losses. As the Central Illinois Regional Airport juggles a number of current capital projects. It's getting ready for the next big upgrade. Airport director Carl Olson says that will be a $24 million rehabilitation of the East West Runway. That pavement was last rehabbed in 1998.

Unemployment in Bloomington normally dropped below 3% last month, the lowest in the state. The area workforce is still down more than 2000 jobs over the last year. Manufacturing made up a bulk of those job losses. As the Central Illinois Regional Airport juggles a number of current capital projects. It's getting ready for the next big upgrade. Airport director Carl Olson says that will be a $24 million rehabilitation of the East West Runway. That pavement was last rehabbed in 1998.

And with the increased use by heavy large aircraft, annual wear and tear is beyond what we can do with regular maintenance and upkeep. Olsen says funding for the project will come from federal and state aviation infrastructure spending, plus local capital money that comes mainly from passenger ticket fees. He's cautiously optimistic that funding will come through. Olson says construction will start in the summer of 2026 and conclude in the fall of 2027.

And with the increased use by heavy large aircraft, annual wear and tear is beyond what we can do with regular maintenance and upkeep. Olsen says funding for the project will come from federal and state aviation infrastructure spending, plus local capital money that comes mainly from passenger ticket fees. He's cautiously optimistic that funding will come through. Olson says construction will start in the summer of 2026 and conclude in the fall of 2027.

And the Illinois Senate has passed a plan to prevent artificial intelligence from replacing instructors at community colleges. The bill would still allow instructors to use AI for help, but it can't be the only source used to teach. Opponents worry the ban takes away an option for community colleges to teach subjects they would not be able to offer otherwise. But the bill's sponsor, Senator Mike Porfirio, says it's about helping students and teachers. The bill now heads back to the House for a final vote. I'm John Norton, WGLT News.

And the Illinois Senate has passed a plan to prevent artificial intelligence from replacing instructors at community colleges. The bill would still allow instructors to use AI for help, but it can't be the only source used to teach. Opponents worry the ban takes away an option for community colleges to teach subjects they would not be able to offer otherwise. But the bill's sponsor, Senator Mike Porfirio, says it's about helping students and teachers. The bill now heads back to the House for a final vote. I'm John Norton, WGLT News.