University High School

"Next to Normal" is an ambitious feat for U-High's theater program. The young performers pushed their director for harder material and themes, wanting to tell stories they could relate to.

University High School senior London Wollenweber of Bloomington is a political junkie. London's political hero is the late President Jimmy Carter. And he and his mother just drove down to Plains, Georgia, to pay their respects to the late president.

The U-High Pioneers are in the state semifinals for the first time. They take a 10-2 record into Saturday’s 7 p.m. game against Mount Zion at Hancock Stadium. A victory would earn them a spot in the Class 4A state championship game next week, also at Hancock.

U-High softball coach Al Toliver will tell you his winning record is a credit to the talented players and assistant coaches he has had. He’ll also tell you the real reward runs deeper than triumphs and trophies.

Eric Bates died April 8 in a motorcycle accident in rural Mackinaw. He was 73. A state champion at U High and a college division national champion at Illinois State, Bates was a marvel on the mat.

McLean County State’s Attorney Erika Reynolds confirmed on Friday her office will not pursue the case involving teacher Mike Troll.

Michael Troll, 64, was arrested Sept. 19 and charged with a count of simple battery in an incident that involved a minor.

A high school student from Normal helped pass an Illinois law to protect the money young vloggers and so-called "kidfluencers" can make online.

Lab Schools director Anthony Jones says said one way to boost diversity is better communication with potential students during the application period early in the year.

University High School student Shreya Nallamothu played a key role in getting state legislation to protect child influencers.