Lauren Warnecke
Deputy News DirectorLauren Warnecke is the Deputy News Director at WGLT. She joined the station as a correspondent in 2020 with a focus on arts and culture and became a full-time staff member in 2023. She became Deputy News Director in 2025.
You can reach Lauren at lewarne@ilstu.edu and 309-438-7869.
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Officials representing McLean County, Bloomington and Normal said “the system worked” by implementing an all-hands effort during Friday’s powerful thunderstorms. -
Bloomington-Normal residents were assessing the damage and starting to clean up Saturday from a powerful storm that walloped McLean County the night before, leading to damage at the Rivian auto plant and knocking out power for thousands. There appeared to be no serious injuries. -
State Board of Elections dismisses complaint alleging Kathleen Lorenz violated campaign finance lawsThe Illinois State Board of Elections on Friday said a complaint filed against Normal Town Council member Kathleen Lorenz failed to reach the burden of proof that she broke campaign finance laws in her 2025 run for mayor. -
A joint lunch-and-learn with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention test drives an updated queer-focused curriculum on suicide prevention -
The farm bureau said renovations will take place over the next three years. Funding will go toward upgrades, maintenance and new improvements to keep the fairgrounds in good condition. -
The first of three First Fridays is in June, with cover bands performing popular hits across decades and genres on the BCPA lawn. -
The orchestra's dual presence in Bloomington-Normal and Springfield, plus the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road in 2026, present a perfect opportunity to debut Michelle Isaac's 'Reverie on the Mother Road.' -
The first annual meeting since Normal township experienced a complete turnover of trustees included plans to celebrate the Activity and Recreation Center's 10th anniversary. -
Attendees at Normal Township's annual meeting Tuesday voted to add a nonbinding question to the November ballot, allowing residents to express opinions on a state law prohibiting state-funded institutions from involvement with companies that don't support Israel. -
In his monthly report to the county's Justice Committee, Sheriff Matt Lane said his department has kept up with transfers to prison and mental health facilities. But the state still has a dire shortage of mental health beds for people in the criminal justice system.
