By WMBD-TV NORMAL – The Gamma Phi Circus at Illinois State University announced their 2024 production “The Magic of Musicals” is ready for public viewing later this month. The performance starts at 7 p.m. on April 19 at ISU’s CEFCU Arena. The new act features “acrobatics and stunning displays of grace and flexibility” to the…… MORE
By WMBD-TV TAZEWELL COUNTY – As measles cases are rising in Illinois, Tazewell County Health Department is informing residents how to prevent the spread on their Facebook page. For starters, the best way to prevent the spread of measles is the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine. But what about those who can’t take the vaccine, like infants?…… MORE
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – More than 20 local art galleries participated in Slow Art Day. Slow Art Day is meant for people to come into art galleries and take a slow look at art. Rather than getting through as much art as you can, you’re meant to take in a piece that draws you in.…… MORE
An Illinois Department of Corrections employee who spent time working at the Pontiac prison died unexpectedly last week in a car accident.… MORE
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Now that the solar eclipse is over you may wonder what to do with your protective glasses. The Office of Sustainability at Illinois State University is your answer. The office is working with Astronomers Without Borders as a collection hub. “We’ve had a bunch of people reaching out asking if they can mails us their…… MORE
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – In addition to rebuilding after a devastating fire two years ago, Victory Church is preparing to open a school. On Thursday the church held a parent information meeting about its school Foundation Christian Academy. The school is a ministry of the church. “Our new building literally is standing on the previous foundation,” said Jarrod Herald,…… MORE
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Uptown Circle and all its entrances and exits will be closed at 11 a.m. for a festival on Saturday. According to a Town of Normal news release, the closure is for “A Festival of Colors: Holi Moli!,” which will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The festival is being…… MORE
Health care workers crowded the Capitol Thursday, hoping for some listening ears – and some more co-workers.… MORE
For Illinois Wesleyan University’s President-elect, returning to Central Illinois is a full-circle moment. … MORE
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – It’s national library week and Normal Public Library wants visitors to know they’re still open as they go through changes. Last week, the library temporarily moved across the street into the old Busey Bank for renovations and asbestos removal. The library will continue hosting their book club and learning circle events…… MORE
By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …
By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…
By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…
Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…