Normal Public Library Director John Fischer said they hope to be an example to other community organizations that sustainability is possible. The Sustainable Libraries Initiative has been pursued by just 100 North American libraries.

Over the past seven years, the Spanish Book Club has gained about 20 regular members and continues its monthly meetings. It serves as a local resource for native Spanish speakers and language learners in the Bloomington-Normal area.

The City of Bloomington had strongly recommended residents and citizens take measures to cut back on water use, but recent rain brought lake levels up more than 3 feet.

Bishop Louis Tylka of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria said his parishes have seen a significant increase in attendance recently. It comes from a mixture of curiosity and hunger for faith amid many populations, especially youth.

The Illinois Shakespeare Festival has announced its 2026 season, featuring two Shakespeare plays and, for the first time, an American classic.

Republicans are blaming Democratic policies, such as unfunded mandates on local governments and school districts, for raising property taxes while failing to provide other financial assistance.

U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen on Wednesday said the Trump administration failed to protect Americans from the economic fallout of the conflict in Iran and, with the president set to address the nation this evening, he said he wants answers.

The McLean County Museum of History announced the 2026 class of History Makers at a media event Wednesday morning. It includes former ISU softball coach Melinda Fischer, former County Board Chair John McIntyre, counselor Feli Sebastian and community activists Camille and Art Taylor.

The Illinois House has passed a bill requiring insurance companies get approval for rate increases and give a 60-day notice to customers if they increase rates more than 10%. Insurance companies said this could raise rates in the long term and does not address the real cause of the rate increases.

The majority seemed skeptical of the Trump administration's argument on birthright citizenship, appearing ready to rule in favor of upholding automatic citizenship for babies born on U.S. soil.

The museum, which attracts Route 66 travelers to the world's largest collection of fiberglass giants, is scheduled to open May 1. It has agreed to make 24 changes to the facility to improve accessibility.

Illinois businesses advocated for more funding to child care facilities as demand for services remains high. ReadyNation Illinois came out with a report that Illinois is losing $6.2 billion each year because of the child care crisis.