Arts and Culture

This is a story of families torn apart during war and never reunited. It’s a story of cultural identity and how that first disruption echoes into the present day. The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II is a well-known story. Little known is the deportation of people of Japanese descent from Central and South American countries to U.S. camps.

The North Danvers Mennonite Church is celebrating its 175th birthday, making it only 20 years younger than the county it stands in. The church still operates as usual, hosting Sunday services, celebrating holidays and sending members out for disaster relief.

Bloomington-Normal tourism officials said the Route 66 centennial celebrations have increased out-of-town visits to McLean County by 3% compared to year-to-date figures from last year.

The City of Lincoln's biggest event of the year faced a major hurdle, leaving stakeholders scrambling to ensure Balloons Over 66 would indeed have balloons. Mayor Tracy Welch says it just proved how important ballooning is to the community.

The arts center's flea infestation is a "speed bump" in the nonprofit's goal of serving the community.

As the world grapples with the growth of artificial intelligence and changes to work in many fields, it may seem odd that we are only about a half century into the digital era. The first electronic library card catalogs were developing back then. Coincidentally, Milner Library at Illinois State University is 50 years old this month.

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

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

From the legendary pocket monster known as Ogerpon on his hat, to the Croc charms of Squirtle, Bulbasaur and Charizard on his shoes, a Bloomington boy proudly displays his love for Pokémon.

Central Illinois photographer and filmmaker Jason Lindsey compiled images of American flags around the country beginning about 15 years ago. The country's semiquincentennial provided inspiration to present them as a way to urge reflection on America's promises.