News

After CTE Study, Spack Says Football 'Rewards Outweigh Risk'

By Jon Norton & Ryan Denham • Aug 2, 2017

A mountain of research—including a stunning new study on the brains of deceased NFL players—is changing the way that the Illinois State football team is practicing this summer.

Professor Plans Another Run Against Darin LaHood In 2018

By Ryan Denham • Aug 1, 2017

A Eureka College history professor who was handily defeated by incumbent U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood in 2016 is planning another run next year as a Democrat in the 18th Congressional District.

Normal Offers Pool Discount As Apology For Staffing Issues

By Ryan Denham • Aug 1, 2017

Town of Normal Parks and Recreation Facebook Page

The Town of Normal will shave a few dollars off daily admission rates at its two public pools for the rest of the summer as a mea culpa for staffing problems that lead to unexpected closures this season.

Rodney Davis, GOP Pivot To Tax Reform

By Charlie Schlenker • Aug 1, 2017

Following the failure of the House and Senate to agree on a mechanism to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, Republicans have moved on to an overhaul of the tax code.

Animal House: Why Is My Dog Barking?

By Laura Kennedy • Aug 1, 2017

Alan Levin / Flickr via Creative Commons

Fish gotta swim. Birds gotta fly. And, of course, dogs gotta bark. But what does it mean when your pooch barks?

Rauner: School Funding Veto 'Fair and Equitable'

By AP • Aug 1, 2017

Bruce Rauner speaks at event — G-Jun Yam / The Associated Press

Gov. Bruce Rauner said Tuesday the way public schools get money in Illinois will be more "fair and equitable" with his changes to a school funding bill.

Bowling, Fitness, and Dining? Imagining Eastland Mall’s Future

By Ryan Denham • Aug 1, 2017

The wafting smell of a Cinnabon. The madness of Black Friday shopping. Getting dropped off by your parents so you can meet your friends at the arcade. Your first job as a 16-year-old.

For many Americans, malls aren’t just a collection of stores. They’re a collection of memories. And so when malls struggle—or close—it hits harder than, say, when a Circuit City goes under.

OSF HealthCare Adds Neonatology Services At St. Joseph Medical Center

By Staff • Aug 1, 2017

OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington will be adding neonatology services to its birthing center next month, hospital officials announced Tuesday.

Talks Fizzle As School Funding Bill Sent to Governor

By IPR • Aug 1, 2017

The future of state funding for Illinois schools was still up in the air late Monday.

Garlic Press Cafe To Close In Uptown Normal

By Charlie Schlenker • Jul 31, 2017

An anchor of Uptown Normal is closing. Owners say they are shutting down the Garlic Press Market Cafe.

Owner Sarah Bushnell McManus said the adjoining gift store will remain open. But McManus says about 15 people will lose their jobs in September when the cafe ends a 12-year run.

Wilmington Dam's Danger Focus Of Lawsuit Against City

By Ryan Denham • Jul 31, 2017

The dam where former GLT staff member Liz Larson drowned Saturday is the focus of litigation against the city of Wilmington over previous deaths at the popular recreation spot.

School Funding Bill On Way To Rauner

By AP • Jul 31, 2017

John Cullerton — Seth Perlman / Associated Press

Negotiations for a new Illinois school funding plan have broken down, jeopardizing money for classrooms statewide as the new academic year approaches.

GLT Mourns Former Staffer Liz Larson

By Ryan Denham & Mike McCurdy • Jul 30, 2017

The GLT family is mourning the loss of former staff member Liz Larson, who died Saturday in a boating accident on the Kankakee River in Wilmington.

GLT Datebook: Healthy Pet Expo

By Laura Kennedy • Jul 29, 2017

The first-ever Healthy Pet Expo combines useful, hands-on information with goofy fun.

Carlock Woman Arrested In Normal Hit-And-Run

By Ryan Denham • Jul 28, 2017

A 21-year-old Carlock woman is in custody after allegedly hitting a pedestrian with her vehicle and fleeing the scene, only to be tracked down by police two weeks later.

GLT's Top Stories: Week of July 24-28, 2017

By Student Reporter Baylee Steelman • Jul 28, 2017

Here are the top stories we covered this week (July 24-28, 2017) on GLT and WGLT.org.

Local Food Blog Helping With Legit Concerns

By Mike McCurdy • Jul 28, 2017

When Steph Davidson and Jennifer Swartout heard talk that the local food trend in Bloomington-Normal had maxed out, they decided to take action.

Illinois Lawmakers React to Health Care Bill's Defeat

By Ryan Denham • Jul 28, 2017

Dealing a serious blow to President Donald Trump's agenda, the Senate early Friday rejected a measure to repeal parts of former President Barack Obama's health care law after a night of high suspense in the U.S. Capitol.

Transgender Soldier From Bloomington Vows To Stay In Military

By Judith Valente • Jul 28, 2017

Bloomington resident Jordan Becker joined the Army National Guard in 2008 as Jordan Elizabeth Becker, a woman. In 2014, he dropped Elizabeth from his name, began hormone therapy and underwent surgery to become a man.

Connect Transit Cuts Teal Route, Adds Mobility Premium Service

By Ryan Denham • Jul 28, 2017

Connect Transit will host community education sessions in the coming weeks before several cost-cutting route changes and a new Connect Mobile premium service go into effect.

Bloomington Seeks Applicants For New Police Board

By Ryan Denham • Jul 28, 2017

The city of Bloomington is looking for people who want to serve on the new Public Safety and Community Relations Board (PSCRB).

13th District Candidate Jones Touts 'Bulldog' Track Record

By Ryan Denham • Jul 28, 2017

The latest Democrat to enter the crowded race to challenge Republican Rep. Rodney Davis next year says he’s a “bulldog” with a track record of fighting government and corporate wrongdoing.

Benches With A Story Pop Up On Bloomington's West Side

By Ryan Denham • Jul 28, 2017

A group of west Bloomington volunteers are taking a stand to help their neighbors take a seat.

Two-dozen benches are being installed at Connect Transit bus stops on the city’s west side. The first five are already on place on Washington Street, with more to come on Market Street.