Local News
Image courtesy of the American Red Cross NORMAL, Ill. – For 30 years, the American Red Cross of Central Illinois has been hosting an event each year titled “Evening of Stars.” The American Red Cross is a nonprofit humanitarian organization that helps provide relief and emergency assistance during disasters nationwide. This year, the 30th anniversary […]
Image courtesy of the City of Bloomington BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington City Council met Monday night to address water quality updates, the city’s annual financial audit and several contract approvals. The council received an extensive update on local water quality and approved four ordinances and resolutions aimed at improving water quality in Bloomington. Water […]
NORMAL, Ill. – The Castle Theater partnered with WZND to host Battle of the Bands on Thursday, Nov. 6th. Battle of the Bands featured seven local bands for live performances of their music. The bands featured were Backlot, PTO, Dollhouse, Miley Cypress Hill, No Outlet, Lady Strange and Scarlet’s Darling. Band representative Giovanni Pacotti-Long and […]
Image courtesy of the City of Bloomington BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – On the first Friday of each month, downtown Bloomington lights up with music, sales and a strong sense of community for “Shop First Friday,” an event designed to celebrate and support small, locally owned businesses. Downtown Development Specialist, Taylor Kern, said the idea grew out […]
Image courtesy of Sigma Nu Fraternity NORMAL, Ill. – From petting dogs on the Quad to organizing campus-wide concerts, Illinois State University’s fraternities and sororities find unique ways to support the causes they care about. At Illinois State University, Sigma Nu supports philanthropy year-round through events like Puppy Heaven, where students can pet and walk […]
NORMAL, Ill. – The Normal Town Council faced a divided room Monday night as council members debated whether to move forward with the long-planned Uptown underpass, a $40 million project that would improve rail safety but require local tax increases to fund. Normal Mayor Chris Koos cast the deciding vote after hours of discussion; this […]
Image courtesy of Encounter Campus Ministry NORMAL, Ill. – Encounter Campus Ministry is currently renovating their new building on Mulberry Street to include several new services for students. The process started in 2017 with Encounters board of directors exploring the idea, but it did not fully take shape until 2021, when Encounter began receiving money […]
Image courtesy of Heartland Community College NORMAL, Ill. – Heartland Community College and Country Financial have partnered to fund a $1.38 million extension of the Constitution Trail. The Central Illinois insurance firm joined other donors in supporting the project, which also received a $200,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Steve Fast works […]
Image courtesy of Mane Society BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — A new salon in Bloomington is setting itself apart by combining affordable services with community involvement. Mane Society opened in April 2025 and was founded by cosmetology student Ashli Whitton, who said the idea came from a need for more accessible salon options in the Bloomington-Normal area. […]
Image courtesy of Illinois State University NORMAL, Ill. – From Jack-O-Lanterns to new soil, Illinois State University’s Office of Sustainability will run a Pumpkin Compost Drive for the entire month of November. Sustainability is all about taking steps to help the environment, and composting pumpkins is one simple way to do that. Instead of tossing […]