ISU president recaps university response to first year of Trump's 2nd term and ongoing new budgeting model

It has been about a year since the Trump administration started to ramp up open hostility toward Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion [DEI] in higher education. Initially, Illinois State University signed onto a letter from about 400 university presidents objecting to government overreach. Since then, …

After 65 years, Normal's Music Shoppe can't stop the beat

The Music Shoppe, a family-owned instrument sales and service center headquartered in Normal, is celebrating its 65th anniversary—a rare achievement among family businesses. For the current and previous owners, what began as a summer job became a lifelong commitment to the store. Randy Wood and Jon…

Immigrants in McLean County seeking legal pathway face 'a different kind of fear'

Immigrants with asylum cases are increasingly missing their court hearings, leading to an increase in deportation orders. In McLean County, community members with ongoing immigrations cases said news headlines and social media posts are fueling fear and distrust in the legal immigration system.

Local Super Smash Bros. club will bring international tournament to ISU for the first time

Gamers from Illinois State University, the broader Bloomington-Normal community and elsewhere gather every Thursday night during the academic year for one reason: to play Super Smash Bros. The weekly tournaments, hosted by the Redbird Super Smash Bros. Club, are open to anyone who loves the game. O…

Meet the Newsroom: Eric Stock

The Meet the Newsroom series pulls back the curtain to introduce you to the team that makes WGLT possible. The series continues with news director Eric Stock.

'Caregiving' screening explores challenges, resources for taking care of loved ones with dementia

A team in the department of communication sciences and disorders at Illinois State University partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association for a yearlong collaboration including a film screening next week at the Normal Theater.

Parents can offer feedback on 2 options related to Unit 5 enrollment study

Unit 5 families have two draft options to submit feedback related to the districtwide enrollment survey. Families can review the two proposals and complete a survey until March 1. Survey responses will be used by the team at Cropper GIS, the consulting firm working with Unit 5, to help shape final …

On Hearts for Heroes campaign, Rep. Sorensen hears veterans' concerns at Bloomington VFW

U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen heard concerns from Bloomington-Normal’s veterans during a recent stop on his Hearts for Heroes tour. The Democrat from Moline has been delivering valentines throughout his Central Illinois district.

Electric rates could be wobbly again this year

Last year, many Bloomington-Normal residents saw their electric bills jump 40% in some cases, even after the two municipalities teamed together with other Illinois governments to negotiate a bulk rate for power. In a nod to the price shock, the electric aggregation contract negotiated with Constell…

Federal grant will allow extension of Constitution Trail in west Normal

The Town of Normal will extend Constitution Trail on the west side of town, thanks to a $1.9 million federal grant announced by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.