Uptown Normal

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.

About 90 protesters gathered Monday in Uptown Normal to speak against restrictions to Medicaid and other social services.

Hundreds of demonstrators marched from Uptown Normal to the Illinois State University quad Thursday for the second straight day, raising concerns about the Trump administration’s early crackdown on immigrants.

The bids for the long-awaited underpass project beneath the railroad tracks in Uptown Normal have come back. The low bid is $35.16 million.

Students for Justice in Palestine at Illinois State University held a vigil Monday in Uptown Normal on the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks.

Illinois State University's homecoming week kicked off Monday evening in Uptown Normal with the annual tree-lighting. Saturday's homecoming football game will be played against North Dakota State.

David and Randi Howell purchased the once run-down, austere estate south of Towanda and have restored it over the past 10 years. They'll celebrate this weekend with the couple behind Cheap Old Houses.