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Articles by Kaitlyn Witas
Illinois State Batters Storm, Many Left Without Power
Images courtesy Illinois State Students NORMAL, IL. – On Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service [NWS] reported that McLean County was hit by 1.64 inches of rain in one hour. The storms caused damage to telephone poles, trees, and buildings on Illinois State University’s campus and the surrounding communities. “It kind of looked like a hurricane out there with all the wind and all the rain,” Garrett Sanders, a visitor from Northern Illinois, said.
CCE hosts Bring it Back to Normal
Image courtesy of Illinois State University NORMAL, Ill. – The Center for Civic Engagement hosted the Bring it Back to Normal event last weekend to send volunteers out for community service projects. The event allowed the CCE to partner with nine local organizations and sites like the Ecology Action Center and the Normal Parks and Recreation to give back.
SERC promotes dialogue for Sexual Assault Awareness Month at ISU
Image courtesy of Students Ending Rape Culture NORMAL, Ill. – April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Students Ending Rape Culture is encouraging conversations across campus. SERC held a tabling event on Wednesday for a “Day of No Silence” to create a space for conversations surrounding sexual assault, particularly for survivors in the LGBTQ+ community.
Bloomington City Council hears concerns over potential data center
Image courtesy of the City of Bloomington BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington City Council met for its biweekly meeting Monday night to discuss agenda items for the city. One item postponed from this week’s agenda was a proposal for a data center. Data centers store digital information and may incorporate the use of artificial intelligence.
Chestnut Family Healthcare hosts Tiny Changes Mighty Hearts seminar
Image courtesy of Chestnut Health Systems BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Chestnut Family Health Center hosted their Tiny Changes Mighty Hearts seminar on Wednesday. The seminar aimed to teach attendees how daily choices can affect heart health and highlight the benefits of visiting a cardiologist. February is American Heart Month, aligning with the event. Valentine’s Day is a plus.
Normal Public Works department responds to winter storm
Image taken by Kaitlyn Witas NORMAL, Ill. – Snow removal crews in the town of Normal have been clearing roads and sidewalks following this week’s winter storm. “As the storm gets closer and the predictions and models become more accurate, and those predictions fall within a certain range of inches, we prepare for the storm based on those forecasts,” said Ryan Otto, director of public works and engineering.
ISU students, community members rally against ICE policies
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University students and community members gathered on campus Tuesday for an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement rally. Demonstrations opposing ICE have taken place nationwide, with critics alleging abuses of power by the agency and by President Donald Trump since his inauguration last year. “We don’t always agree, but if we can find a common thread to help people, that is a great thing,” said rally participant Beverly Bell.
Santa's Station returns to Uptown Normal for the holiday season
Image courtesy of Uptown Normal NORMAL, Ill. – Santa’s Station will return to Uptown Normal on select dates this December. Each day features a different non-profit organization to raise awareness and donations. All optional donations go directly to the participating organizations. Santa’s Station offers activities for all ages, including hot chocolate, crafts and a chance to meet Santa.
Bloomington church joins global Operation Christmas Child mission
Image courtesy of Trinity Lutheran Church BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Trinity Lutheran Church is accepting donations for a gift box drive as a part of Samaritan’s Purse, a national organization’s Operation Christmas Child event. Samaritan’s Purse sends shoe boxes packed with gifts to children in foreign countries to provide them with holiday cheer and messages from the Church about Jesus Christ. Each box can be filled with little goodies and a ‘Wow Gift,’ like a ball or stuffed animal.
Upper Limits will host Parkinson's climbing night
Image courtesy of Upper Limits Bloomington BLOOMINGTON, ILL. – Summit Shakers Upper Limits is hosting a Parkinson’s climbing night Monday to engage the community in an event aimed to foster athletic inclusivity. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive and neurodegenerative disease that can cause stiffness, slow movements and other issues. Parkinson’s can start with less obvious symptoms, usually on one side of the body, that gets more severe with time. The cause of the disease is unknown.
OSF lecture explores how medical simulations foster humanity in health care
Image courtesy of OSF Healthcare PEORIA, Ill. – Dr. Edward Barksdale Jr. explored how medical simulations can help address social issues during the OSF Pearl Lecture Series at the Jump Trading Simulation & Education Center on Thursday. Medical simulations include actors who are trained to perform as patients, mimicking real-life scenarios to allow healthcare workers to learn more about the humanity of patients.
Community gathers in Uptown for annual Ballin’ on Beaufort event
NORMAL, Ill.- The town of Normal partnered with ISU Athletics for the annual Ballin’ on Beaufort event in Uptown on Wednesday night. The event brought together the men’s and women’s basketball teams, complete with shooting competitions, local vendors, and a live DJ. Uptown Circle and Linden were closed off to transform the block into a stage-filled hub for Redbird basketball fans.
Pro-Palestinian protesters interrupt State of the University Address
Image courtesy of Illinois State University NORMAL, Ill. – The State of the University address was delivered by ISU President Aondover Tarhule Thursday afternoon. “This annual tradition is more than just a status report,” Tarhule said.
Students react to Charlie Kirk’s assassination and campus safety concerns
NORMAL, Ill. – In the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last week, students across the country have shared viewpoints on the situation and its consequences. Charlie Kirk, cofounder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA, is known for his activism and frequent visits to college campuses. Last semester, he spoke at Illinois State University, where he shared his views and engaged students in discussion and debate.
Heartland Phi Theta Kappa inducts 12, expands leadership and scholarship opportunities
NORMAL, Ill. – Twelve students were recently inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society chapter at Heartland Community College. The honor society aims to connect students at two-year universities with one another and provide access to programs like conferences and scholarship opportunities to strengthen their resumes.
Bloomington Ice Center reopens their doors with annual Return to the Rink event
Image courtesy of the City of Bloomington NORMAL, Ill.- The Bloomington Ice Center held its annual Return to the Rink event on Saturday. The event featured a free skate, club demonstrations, and interactive games. Throughout the year, the ice arena offers classes for all ages and skill levels and also hosts ISU men’s and women’s hockey games.
Bobzbay Books teams up with Clover's Cat Club for non-profit share day
NORMAL, Ill. – Bobzbay Books partnered with Clover’s Cat Club for a non-profit share day, bringing rescue cats into the store for customers to enjoy. Clover’s was founded in 2024 and aims to help re-house cats in the Bloomington-Normal area. In less than a year, Clover’s has already helped 250 cats find their forever homes. Executive Director Paige Sveda explained the environment of Clover’s. “Picture if a cat cafe and an animal shelter had a baby, that’s Clover’s Cat Club,” Sveda said.
ISU Police Department introduces a new therapy dog to campus
NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State Police Department has introduced its new therapy dog, Pawfficer Korg, to ISU’s campus. Following his predecessor Pawfficer Sage, Korg’s main job is to support students and faculty on campus with transitional and emotional needs. “Pawfficer Korg’s job is simply to make people smile.
UFISU Union Representative explains what the faculty is fighting for amid potential strike
Image courtesy of the UFISU official Instagram page NORMAL, Ill. – Conversation about a possible strike on Illinois State University’s campus has swept through university classrooms for the past few weeks after members of the United Faculty of ISU (UFISU) voted to support a strike if President Tarhule and the ISU administration refuse to reach a fair agreement of contract terms on March 21. Bargaining for the contract between UFISU and the university’s administration has been ongoing since Feb.
HCC and ISU host Southeast Asian Cultural Festival
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University and Heartland Community College are collaborating to host the Southeast Asian Cultural Festival from April 1 to April 4, offering students and community members an opportunity to explore the vibrant cultures of Southeast Asia. HCC Study Abroad Coordinator Zachary Petrea, shared insights into the planning process and the festival’s significance. “This is the third year this festival will be taking place,” Petrea said.
UFISU contract negotiation status
Image courtesy of the UFISU official Instagram page NORMAL, Ill. – After 13.5 hours of bargaining at yesterday’s meeting, the United Faculty of Illinois State University reached three tentative agreements on noneconomic issues. Workload, Assignment of Duties and Identification of Union Representatives have all been resolved between the parties according to the most recent university press release.
ISU hosts self defense classes taught by Campus Police
Image courtesy of Redbird Life NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State Police Department is leading a no touch introductory self defense class. Redbird Aware begins with an hour and a half long presentation and discussion of safety and prevention tips, followed by an hour of learning stances and moves aimed at startling an aggressor and get to safety.
Image courtesy of bloomingtonil.gov BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The current Bloomington Mayor, Mboka Mwilwambe, is running for re-election in the upcoming 2025 election. If voted back into office, Mwilwambe plans to address housing issues within the city and work on improving infrastructure while continuing several ongoing projects. “With Rivian coming into the community, they employ about anywhere between 8,000 and 9,000 people,” Mwilwambe said.
Former Illinois State Representative Dan Brady is running for Bloomington Mayor
BLOOMINGTON, Ill.- Former state Rep. Dan Brady is running for Bloomington Mayor with the community in mind. Brady’s campaign for mayor includes increasing public safety, updating infrastructure, economic development and supporting businesses. His contenders are Cody Hendricks and current Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe. Brady explained how he will implement ways to bring the Bloomington City Council together at a recent candidate forum held by local NPR affiliate WGLT.
ISU's Queer Ed Birds to host a series of informative and empowering events
Image courtesy of Illinois State University NORMAL, Ill. – The Queer Ed Birds club at Illinois State University is creating a supportive space for LGBTQIA+ students and educators. Led by President Ellis Kent, the group is making strides in creating a platform where students can speak with professionals from the queer community, particularly those working in education.
Chemberly Harris outlines her intentions if named Normal Mayor
Image courtesy of the Town of Normal NORMAL, Ill. – Normal Town Council member Chemberly Harris is one of the candidates in the running to be the next Normal Mayor. Harris has been serving on the town council for almost eight years and has participated in change since the beginning of her term.
Infamous Bloomington-Normal murder cases see another appellate court
NORMAL, Ill. – The Fourth District Appellate Court will soon be meeting in the Bone Student Center to decide on developments in two high profile murder cases. Barton McNeil and Jamie Snow are both Bloomington residents who were convicted of separate murders, and both have been undergoing long fights to prove themselves innocent. McNeil was convicted of murdering his 3-year-old daughter Christina in 1999.
Authorities found four dead in Bloomington residence
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Four people were found dead Sunday morning at a home in the northwest corner of Bloomington. Bloomington police and paramedics were dispatched to the 900 block of North Lee Street around 11 a.m. for a death investigation inside a residence. A press release sent out Sunday evening states the event is an “isolated incident” and is “no threat to the public.” It is, however, the largest violent episode in the Bloomington-Normal area as of late.
Carle Health announces new scholarship program for Methodist College students
Image courtesy of the official Methodist College website PEORIA, Ill. – The Academic Investment Program is a tuition support program developed by Carle Health to assist nursing students at Methodist College. The Chancellor of Methodist College, Kayla Banks, explains the benefits of the program after graduation.
New Classical Christian Elementary School holds open house
Image courtesy of White Horse Academy NORMAL, Ill. – White Horse Academy recently held an open house to introduce their community to their institution. Amid their very first school year; the private elementary school added a different style of curriculum to the sea of educational institutions in McLean County. Classical Christian education blends liberal arts and Christianity, with the goal of giving kids a biblical perspective while learning grammar, values and other typical educational skills.
Image courtesy of the official Heartland Community College website NORMAL, Ill. – Heartland Community College is bringing back its most laughable fundraiser to raise money for various student programs. The HCC Funnyrasier Comedy Night will raise money for the Foundation Funding Priorities (FFPs), including the Night Hawks evening child care program, the Student Emergency Fund, and Project RISE for low-income students.
“Next To Normal Story Slam” Encourages Community Engagement
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — “Next To Normal Story Slam” sparks local conversation about community engagement. Devon Lovell, co-host and coordinator of Next to Normal, created the event in 2018 as a platform for the community to share stories. “The idea behind it is to build community and find common ground,” Lovell said. Lovell, who spent much of her commute from Chicago to Bloomington listening to public media, drew inspiration from The Moth and Snap Judgment. “They’re all story vehicles,” Lovell said.
Normal Theatre to host Black History and Women's History Month Series'
Image courtesy of the Normal Theater Instagram page NORMAL, Ill. – The Normal Theatre is partnering with Illinois State University campus organizations to celebrate Black History Month and Women’s History Month throughout February and March. African American Studies and the Queer Coalition each approached the Theatre with individual ideas for series’, resulting in the Black History Month series and the “In Her Image” series which will focus a lot on the history and work of queer women.
University Housing Services searches for new residential solutions
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University has canceled its plans for a new residence hall, but other housing options are still in the works. University President Aondover Tarhule announced that the project was not moving forward at the State of the University address last semester. According to University Housing Services Assistant Marketing Director Hillary Campos, the reasons are fairly obvious. “It’s very out in the open that the budget is seen as a potential hurdle right now,” Campos said.
University Galleries to host Image of Research Competition
NORMAL, Ill. – The sixth annual Image of Research Exhibit will take place Thursday February 13, at University Galleries in Uptown Normal. Event Organizer Gina Hunt explained what people can expect from the event. ‘The exhibition will feature images created by ISU undergraduate and graduate students researchers who are all finalists in this year’s competition,” Hunt said.
Bloomington City Council Member discusses what's on the docket for the near future
Photo courtesy of the City of Bloomington BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington City Council is aiming to tackle local issues through collaborative efforts. City Council Member and Ward 6 representative Cody Hendricks discusses the Council’s role and his respectively. Some current issues that Hendricks mentioned include those of community and economy. A main topic of discussion amongst the community lately is housing.
Bloomington officials respond to antisemitic posters around the city
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – A series of antisemitic flyers were posted around downtown Bloomington this past weekend. The flyers were posted at various businesses with no clear direction, save for the one posted at the office of the McLean County Democrats. The posters had many targets, including the Biden Administration, feminism and Blackrock, a large investment firm that’s often been the target of antisemitic conspiracy theories.
ISU Planetarium launches two new shows
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University’s Planetarium is back in full swing with two new shows open to the public. Planetarium Director Thomas Willmitch spoke on the two news shows about what’s on the horizon for the Planetarium. ‘The new shows that are open to the public are ‘Mars: The Ultimate Voyage’ and ‘Mysteries of Your Brain,'” Willmitch said. “The Mars show is about what it takes to actually make the two year round trip to Mars and back again and the challenges you will face.
NORMAL, Ill. – The Town of Normal has recently seen an uptick in retail theft. Normal Police Department Public Information Officer Brad Park elaborated on this issues and others effecting the community. “Every now and again, we will see a specific crew looking for a specific item at a specific store,” Park said.
Image courtesy of The Aristocrats Band BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA) is hosting Valentine’s Dance on Saturday, Feb 1, featuring the musical stylings of The Aristocrats. Director of Arts and Entertainment Anthony Nelson explained what the evening will entail. “There will be tables for people to sit at, the dance floor is open, there will be a bar. It’s just kind of a relaxed atmosphere for people to come and enjoy a night out,” Nelson said.
ISU Office of Sustainability introduces new produce program
Image courtesy of the Office of Sustainability NORMAL, Ill. – A new sustainability program will provide students with low-cost, high-quality produce once a week for eight weeks. The The Redbird Fresh Market was developed by a group of students from the College of Business’ Innovative Consulting Community course in which they were told to increase access to fresh produce for students living off-campus. Faculty and staff are also welcome to participate.
ISU Police Community Update 1/29/25
NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State University Police released a statement on a recent incident on campus. University Police responded to multiple calls around 11 a.m. yesterday morning of an individual in the State Farm Hall of Business repeatedly calling for help while being chased. Officers arrived on scene shortly after and discovered that the incident started with someone taking pictures of another person inside the men’s restroom.
Image courtesy of Community Resources for Justice NORMAL, Ill. – The Bloomington Human Relations Commission is renewing their annual Black History Month Essay contest for the month of February. The annual essay contest based in Bloomington is for grade school students and aims for writers to dive into topics of black history and important historical figures’ individual contributions.
Local event allows teen girls to make their voices heard
Image Courtesy of Illinois State University NORMAL, Ill. – The That’s What Teens Say program returned to Bloomington-Normal on Sunday, Jan 26. Put on in partnership with the What She Said program and Family Community Resource Center, the event gave teen girls a platform to share their personal stories. National Program Director Jenette Jurczyk gave insight into how this program for local teen girls started and why she believes it is important for them to have a safe space to be themselves.
Normal Town establishes goals for 2025
Image courtesy of the Normal Town Council official website NORMAL, Ill. – The Normal Town Council has its sights set on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the town’s infrastructure, economy, housing and quality of life for 2025. Assistant City Manager Brian Day shared how they plan to make these changes. “We’re putting a significant amount into street resurfacing, [and] pothole repairs,” Day said.
The League of Women Voters of McLean County to discuss affordable housing
Image courtesy of the League of Women Voters official website NORMAL, Ill. – The League of Women Voters of Mclean County is hosting a panel to discuss the affordable housing crisis in the area on Jan. 28. League of Women Voters of Mclean County President Laurie Wollrab explained why they’re holding an event like this. “We just have people that can’t afford a home. Rents are going up: part of that is inflation and part of it is interest rates and so forth,” Wollrab said.
Normal radio station receives grant to increase local education coverage
Image Courtesy of Illinois State University NORMAL, Ill. – Bloomington-Normal’s NPR affiliate station WGLT received a $20,000 grant to increase news coverage of local schools. Awarded by the Google News Initiative, WGLT plans to boost coverage of Unit 5, District 87, ISU Lab schools and other public and private schools in the McLean County area. WGLT News Director Eric Stock explained why they chose to focus on education and how it serves the community.
University Galleries to host accessibility-centered event
Image courtesy of University Galleries NORMAL, Ill. – The University Galleries will hold a Sensory-Friendly Morning on Saturday following the opening of an accessibility-themed exhibit. This event will provide dim lights and a quiet space for neurodivergent people to view the artwork on display. Staff will focus on mitigating any stimulus that could be triggering or difficult to handle for people with sensory disorders.
An exhibition coming to Bloomington-Normal brings a new perspective to the Harlem Renaissance
Photo courtesy of VisitBN BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – An exhibition called “The Harlem Renaissance: as Gay as it was Black” will be opening at Jazz Upfront, a Bloomington jazz bar, on Jan. 17. The exhibition is a joint effort between the local organization, the Prairie Pride Coalition (PPC) and the national Stonewall Foundation. According to PPC Board President Dave Bentlin, it’s no coincidence the exhibition comes just before Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month.
Bloomington Public Library Director explains the current state of book censorship
NORMAL, Ill. – According to the Los Angeles Times, the results of the 2024 presidential election have led conservative parental groups to push further to limit books they deem inappropriate or immoral. Bloomington Public Library Director Jeanne Hamilton explains what exactly goes into “We have seen recently that states are putting laws in place that govern local choice and we also are seeing that there are more united efforts throughout the country,” Hamilton said.
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