Carlock and Glenn Elementary students stay put in proposal coming to Unit 5 school board vote next week

The proposal coming to a Unit 5 school board vote next Wednesday does not close Carlock Elementary School or repurpose Glenn Elementary. Superintendent Kristen Weikle presented details of the proposal during a virtual meeting Thursday night. Of the original two options presented to the public, one …

Central Illinois union painter shares the value of apprenticeships in a statewide professional development program

Christina Harms tried a lot of jobs before finding her current career path. Harms, from Pekin, works for Peoria-based Mid-Illinois Companies and Associated Constructors in Bloomington. She can be seen on construction sites throughout Bloomington-Normal, including the future home of Illinois State U…

Adam Nielsen is living with joy, hope—and Alzheimer's

Normal Citizen of the Year Adam Nielsen is living with early onset Alzheimer's disease. He and his wife Dayna Brown are doing so publicly and intentionally, to support others who may be going through the same thing, and as part of an advocacy effort.

Brightpoint holds annual Color Run to support family visitation center in Bloomington

In memory of two victims of childhood domestic violence, Brightpoint is hosting its annual 5K run and 1-mile walk to end child abuse. The “Taking Steps to End Child Abuse Color Run” will take place April 25 at Normal’s Fairview Park to benefit the organization’s Family Visitation Center. Proceeds a…

If Trail East and West development is revived, Uptown mural may go

The new version of the proposed Trail East and West development project in Uptown Normal would be primarily residential housing on the north side of the traffic circle straddling Constitution Trail. And a controversial mural on a building in the project footprint would likely be torn down. 

ISU partners with South Korean Chungnam University to push innovation—especially with AI

Illinois State University formalized a new international partnership Tuesday, signing a joint memorandum of understanding with Chungnam National University in Daejeon, South Korea.

Boys & Girls Club buys old Trinity Lutheran property in Bloomington

The Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal bought the old Trinity Lutheran Church and elementary school in the South Hill Neighborhood of Bloomington and is scrapping plans for a new clubhouse near its current home in West Bloomington.

Bloomington family whose son drowned wants more autism resources available

Leo Egbers wasn’t meeting some developmental milestones at nine months of age. His mother, Viviana Egbers, said she wasn’t overly concerned at that time. “His symptoms didn’t scream autism,” said Egbers, whose primary concern was a speech delay. Their pediatrician sent a referral to Child and Fami…

Normal PD plans drones as first responders in pilot project

Normal Public Library sees attendance rebound in renovated branch as it pursues a sustainability certificate

The Normal Public Library moved back into its fully renovated space last summer—enough time for Library Director John Fischer to assess how it's going. Attendance is bouncing back after 16 months of construction, and now that they're settled, the library is embarking on a yearslong effort to become…