At first, concerns rolled in from all sides of the political spectrum about the politics of patriotism. The collection of pieces by local artists respond to a series of questions about revolutionary moments, how migration and settlement impact the natural world and what it means to be an American.

What makes the event like no other is its emphasis on inclusion of everyone and building irreplaceable bonds through a large sum of people from all walks of life, organizers said. This year's games will feature 3,450 athletes and unified partners, 1,250 coaches and 1,200 volunteers.

McLean County and Central Illinois are gearing up for America 250 with a bunch of events, everything from a community drone show on July 2 to readings of the Declaration of Independence at Connie Link Amphitheater in Normal and in Downtown Bloomington. It's not the first national anniversary involving a big celebration. Let’s go back 50 years to hear what they did for the nation’s Bicentennial.

The Town of Normal's Historic Preservation Commission will decide whether or not to approve demolition of three Uptown Normal buildings at its next meeting.

All around Central Illinois, towns are holding Fourth of July firework shows, festivals and other events to celebrate 250 years of America. That includes a new drone show at the Interstate Center in Bloomington.

The birth of four red wolf pups is significant for the species' conservation. Approximately 25 remain in the wild.

Metcalf picked up her third Tony on Sunday, adding to a stack of accolades gathered across her five decade career on stage and screen.

Just four days after a local benefactor pulled the plug after years of bearing the costs himself, the Balloons Over 66 Weekend Committee said late Friday that they’ve figured out how to keep the balloons flying another year.

Pontiac's Diaz Sign Art created a custom mural for Sprague's Super Service commemorating significant landmarks in the Town of Normal: the Normal Theater and Steak and Shake. It will be officially unveiled Friday, ahead of a 1950s-themed celebration as part of the Cruisin' through the Century Route 66 Centennial.

While not an exhaustive list, here's WGLT's recommendations for live music outside during Central Illinois' summer months.

The 100th birthday of Route 66 is not lost on businesses and attractions who depend on it. In Lexington, Towanda, Atlanta and Normal, proprietors acknowledge the importance of the nostalgia-driven love for the Mother Road is not just a moment in its history, but a movement they are a part of.

Paul Bouseman has been picked to lead the city-owned zoo. He previously worked in zoo management and parks and recreation in Evansville, Indiana.