From the WGLT newsroom, I'm John Norton. For now, the federal grant supporting public arts in Uptown Normal's future underpass is secure. The director of cultural arts is Beth Wissman. She says the town of Normal is bracing for the potential of losing a $50,000 national endowment.

From the WGLT newsroom, I'm John Norton. For now, the federal grant supporting public arts in Uptown Normal's future underpass is secure. The director of cultural arts is Beth Wissman. She says the town of Normal is bracing for the potential of losing a $50,000 national endowment.

For the arts grant, the federal agency has laid off staff and terminated numerous grants by letter. The grant is planned for community engagement, funding an apprenticeship, and educational programs attached to the project. Wissman says the mural itself will proceed with or without the grant.

For the arts grant, the federal agency has laid off staff and terminated numerous grants by letter. The grant is planned for community engagement, funding an apprenticeship, and educational programs attached to the project. Wissman says the mural itself will proceed with or without the grant.

McLean County Jail will upgrade its cell doors to prevent incarcerated people from injuring guards through food slots. Sheriff Matt Lane says the new one-way system will protect corrections officers. Lane recalls one recent incident in which an officer was attacked through a slot. Corrections officer, his arm was grabbed, pulled inside the cell, and the inmate was trying to break his arm basically.

McLean County Jail will upgrade its cell doors to prevent incarcerated people from injuring guards through food slots. Sheriff Matt Lane says the new one-way system will protect corrections officers. Lane recalls one recent incident in which an officer was attacked through a slot. Corrections officer, his arm was grabbed, pulled inside the cell, and the inmate was trying to break his arm basically.

And that happens on a regular basis. The upgrades will cost the county about $50,000. A lawmaker who represents parts of Bloomington Normal voted against a bill that would require applicants to provide past employment records when applying for a police job. Republican Representative Dennis Tipsor is chief deputy for the Woodford County Sheriff's Department.

And that happens on a regular basis. The upgrades will cost the county about $50,000. A lawmaker who represents parts of Bloomington Normal voted against a bill that would require applicants to provide past employment records when applying for a police job. Republican Representative Dennis Tipsor is chief deputy for the Woodford County Sheriff's Department.

Tip Sord is concerned an applicant could be denied a job due to a past department failing to provide documents in time. We may have a good applicant. We may have a good candidate, but if one private agency or one law enforcement agency doesn't get back to us, that person doesn't get in the door. So I'm concerned about that. The bill is a response to the killing of Sonia Massey by a police officer who had a history of misconduct.

Tip Sord is concerned an applicant could be denied a job due to a past department failing to provide documents in time. We may have a good applicant. We may have a good candidate, but if one private agency or one law enforcement agency doesn't get back to us, that person doesn't get in the door. So I'm concerned about that. The bill is a response to the killing of Sonia Massey by a police officer who had a history of misconduct.

And a downtown Lincoln art gallery is one place for Bloomington Normal and Springfield artists to convene. Co-owner Jason Hoffman says the 3rd floor of Lincoln Art Institute features works from both places.

And a downtown Lincoln art gallery is one place for Bloomington Normal and Springfield artists to convene. Co-owner Jason Hoffman says the 3rd floor of Lincoln Art Institute features works from both places.

I don't think a lot of Bloomington and Springfield artists get an opportunity to talk or to connect.

I don't think a lot of Bloomington and Springfield artists get an opportunity to talk or to connect.

The gallery is open tonight for the Lincoln's 3rd Friday Festival. More showers and thunderstorms possible this afternoon. Some could be severe. Today's high 87. I'm John Norton, WGLT News.

The gallery is open tonight for the Lincoln's 3rd Friday Festival. More showers and thunderstorms possible this afternoon. Some could be severe. Today's high 87. I'm John Norton, WGLT News.