Good morning, Normal.

Nick Rynerson — a lifelong McLean County resident and Normal West alumnus — wrote a new poetry collection titled Seasons: A Year of Midwestern Life that reflects local life and will be available in a limited run of 300 hardback copies from the Upstairs Bookstore at the end of March. He also launched his boutique publishing company Impeded Stream and will host a book launch reading in April.

The Illinois State University faculty union has launched a strike authorization vote that runs until noon today—650 union members are now pushing for better pay and working conditions.

ISU officials countered with a new proposal including four weeks of paid parental leave—though the union said the offer still falls short of meeting economic needs.

Illinois lawmakers have endorsed a bill to ban carbon capture near the Mahomet Aquifer to protect drinking water for over a million people.

The measure passed unanimously out of a Senate committee on March 20th — further debate on the Senate floor is set for April 1.

Normal mayoral candidates are debating a long-delayed underpass at Uptown to create a safe crossing for pedestrians, cyclists and train riders; the project may cost between $35 million and $41 million—much higher than past estimates—and faces a funding gap despite federal and state grants. They said the plan will be refined to meet safety needs and support future development before the April 1 election.

Exploration Day in Bloomington-Normal

2:30-10 p.m. — Meet at Ryburn Place — Costs vary by activity — Explore historic sites and enjoy local dining in a vibrant community setting.