A dusty haze was visible Sunday morning as the air quality index reached unhealthy levels. Canadian wildfire smoke has caused air pollution in much of the northern U.S.

"Arts and health are not separate," said Angelique Racki, co-chair of the Cultural Commission for the city. "Art is health."

The Big Boy No. 4014 is the world's largest operating steam locomotive. It's 133 feet long, approximately the length of three school buses end-to-end, and is hauling a set of cars with "America 250" displayed on the sides behind it.

The Town of Normal is looking to strengthen its code of conduct in and around Uptown Station, which has seen an increase in homeless people gathering on the property in recent months.

The two six-story buildings would bring more than 200 apartments to Uptown along with retail and restaurant space.

“My passion for supporting Normal's growth remains as strong as it has ever been, and I'll look forward to continuing to be involved, just not in an elected official capacity,” Byars said in a social media post.

The no-interest loan will cover the village for taxes not collected in 2026. The village will repay the loan by collecting the missing money in 2027 along with the tax funds from this year.

Grossinger Motors' naming rights expired in 2022. The city is still looking for a sponsor to give the arena a new name.

Joe E. Talkington, a former Illinois State University professor and department chair remembered for opening doors to college for generations of students, died this week. He was 95.

Normal City Manager Pam Reece said Bloomington is giving Normal the opportunity to participate in the city's public forum on Aug. 26 at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.

The Unit 5 school board renewed the district’s e-learning plan Wednesday after much deliberation.

The band will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its only album, Revolutionary Product, during its 45-minute set on Friday.