The Democrat from Moline recently visited Bloomington-Normal for a whirlwind tour, discussing community school funding, flood mitigation and data centers. In a WGLT interview, he also reacted to confronting the defense secretary about continued cuts to the civilian workforce that makes weapons and ammunition.

“They’re going to try to give us anything to look at other than the gas approaching $5 a gallon,” U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen said during a visit to Normal this week.

Don Craven, an attorney for multiple journalism associations in the state, said Illinois is in good shape compared to other states. Amid uncertainty at the federal level, he defended his work in courts and litigation to protect the profession.

Bloomington-Normal native Jennifer Rusk is known around town for her dazzling vocals. As the century-old Community Players Theatre performs the Twin Cities' first-ever "Dreamgirls," she's giving others the spotlight.

With a new Republican plan in Congress calling for $1 billion in funding for security improvements tied to the White House ballroom project, U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood says he doesn't want any public money going to support the project.

Data centers are getting a lot of attention in Bloomington. In Normal, not so much — both in inquiries by business and concerns from the public.

While gas prices keep soaring as the U.S. war in Iran shows no end in sight, Republican U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood said he’s ready to see the Trump Administration find a way out of the war soon.

The students and staff of Normal Community West High School surprised the school principal as they celebrated her win of a leadership excellence award.

Molly Allen, who served about six years as assistant regional superintendent, is now regional superintendent. She takes over for Mark Jontry, who retired in April.

The new R2 — Rivian’s first mass-market vehicle — was the focal point of Thursday’s first-quarter earnings call. R2 production began last week in Normal. They’ll reach customers later this spring.