The Vidette (ISU)

Marking the 97th anniversary of the founding of the Gamma Phi Circus at Illinois State University, Gamma Phi Circus presents “Carnival of Dreams.” Circus members hope to introduce audience members to cultural performances from all across the world. Each act highlights a different cultural festival to theme the performance around. Festivals from India, South America and many other countries are featured. After researching the cultural ties for each festival, the acts began to practice.

WZND marked its 45th anniversary with a reunion celebration on Saturday in the Brown Ballroom at the Bone Student Center, bringing together decades of alumni, students and faculty to reflect on the station and honor new Hall of Fame inductees. The ballroom was lined with photos and memorabilia spanning the station’s history, highlighting the impact WZND has had on generations of broadcasters within Illinois State University's School of Communication.

Just a few hours after landing their first offseason transfer in Demarion Burch, Illinois State inked Illinois Wesleyan star and Bloomington-Normal native Noah Cleveland on Wednesday night. LETS GO‼️‼️ pic.twitter.com/q5Y4a1yChB — Noah Cleveland (@NoahCleveland6) April 16, 2026 The 6-foot-8 sophomore forward led the Titans to the Division III Elite Eight in 2025-26, averaging 18 points and 11 rebounds. Cleveland posted a career-high 36 points against Washington University on Dec.

The OSF Cancer Center of OSF HealthCare is expanding its facilities as it enters its third year. The state of Illinois approved a certificate of need to construct a fourth-floor addition, with completion targeted for spring 2027. ​ Cancer Institute Director of Operations Tenille Oderwald said the expansion is driven by rapid growth within the institute’s oncology services.

Striking Illinois State University workers represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1110 will march from the corner of North Street and Broadway Avenue to Hovey Hall Thursday as contract negotiations with the Illinois State University administration remain unresolved. AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch emphasized the support AFSCME Local 1110 is receiving from the community.

After three seasons with Bradley, Demarian Burch announced Wednesday on Instagram, he is joining Illinois State for the 2026-27 season. Burch is a 6-foot-4 guard from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and averaged 8.8 points per game in the previous campaign. He scored a career-high 25 points against Belmont on Jan. 1, and started in 16 of 26 games for the Braves. In his sophomore season, Burch clipped his highest 3-point success at 56.3%.

Route 66 and McLean County hosted Slow Art Day to showcase local artists in the community and the Central Illinois area from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The event concluded with a reception from 2:30-5 p.m. Local artist Herb Eaton held the reception. Eaton has been creating art for the town of Bloomington for over 50 years. He’s best known by friends and family as the local “Sophisticated Hick” for his fascination with the area’s corn fields.

The United Faculty of Illinois State University stood in solidarity with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1110 union in their fight for a fair contract during yesterday’s rally. Nearly 100 union members joined together at 2 p.m. on ISU’s pedestrian bridge. The workers’ strike entered its second week with no negotiations discussed between the university and the union.

After three seasons with Bradley, Demarion Burch announced Wednesday on Instagram that he is joining Illinois State for the 2026-27 season. Burch is a 6-foot-4 guard from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and averaged 8.8 points per game in the previous campaign. He scored a career-high 25 points against Belmont on Jan. 1 and started in 16 of 26 games for the Braves. In his sophomore season, Burch clipped his highest 3-point success at 56.3%.

With National Wildlife Week coming to an end, animals are coming out of hibernation as the seasons change. The Illinois State University campus is home to numerous wildlife creatures, ranging from the tiniest birds to the tallest deer. National Wildlife Week is celebrated from April 6-12 and encourages the protection of habitats and connecting with nature, according to the National Wildlife Federation.