Uptown Normal

The mayor of Normal is answering criticism of the town council decision's to move ahead with the Uptown underpass project despite steep price increases and a larger town share of the $40.3 million cost.

The Uptown underpass project, first proposed 10 years ago, was approved Monday night by the Normal Town Council with a sunset provision on tax increases needed to complete financing.

To get the decade-old Uptown underpass project over the finish line will require increases in food and beverage and hotel-motel taxes. That staff recommendation emerged at a special town council meeting on Wednesday evening.

Normal Mayor Chris Koos said another developer is interested in the Uptown site, but the town's existing TIF district is too short term.

Town of Normal officials heard frequent complaints from pedestrians about their safety when crossing the intersection.

Bloomington-based rapper and hip-hop artist Darīus will showcase new music at Make Music Normal later this month. Ahead of the show, Williams talks to WGLT about his journey in music.

You should not expect any big transformational project to be straightforward. That's a takeaway from Part 2 of our series "Hard Things" about the heavy lifts and big dream efforts our society and community achieve.

The Trump administration recently issued letters retracting arts grants that, so far, have not impacted NEA-supported projects like the Uptown underpass. But the long-term impact of reduced federal funding will have greatest impact on smaller and rural communities.

Maggie Miley’s plans to construct its new outdoor patio adjacent to the east of its current building at 126 E. Beaufort St. It’s currently a vacant lot that was previously used for parking and outdoor dining during the pandemic.

Founders of Nomad Theatre Company preview an upcoming event happening this weekend featuring AI-generated performance prompts.