A few quick key strokes while text messaging could lead to a decline in writing skills. The text messaging phenomenon has become an all too common occurrence among many cell phone users. While this craze has become very popular, a study released by researchers from the Irish State Examination Commission on April 25 revealed that text messaging was directly related to a decline in writing ability.… Post the First Comment

The United States has implemented a new surveillance policy, which allows law enforcement, emergency response and border patrol agencies to use the nation's spy satellites to monitor our own territory. The policy authorizes that satellites in low-Earth orbit, which are in the sky to monitor foreign targets, can be used to photograph locations in the U.… Post the First Comment

McLean County native Dr. Bill Roy served as the keynote speaker at Sunday's McLean County Democrats Annual Dinner held in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center. Dr. Roy's speech followed the presentation of the McLean County Spirit Award to recipient Lloyd Burley for his outstanding contributions to the community.… Post the First Comment

The Illinois Department of Transportation made bridge safety one of their top priorities after the I-35W Mississippi River bridge in Minneapolis collapsed. Mike Claffey, spokesperson for Illinois Department of Transportation, said that a day or two after the Minnesota bridge collapsed IDOT announced they would be inspecting all bridges in Illinois that have the same design.… Post the First Comment

Bloomington-Normal is often known for showcasing the diversity that exists within its limits. The McLean County Museum of History is proof of this. Taking part in this for the first time ever was the McLean County India Association. "It was my aim to reach out to the community," Vinod Thaker, president of MCIA, said.… Post the First Comment

One year ago: ISU's College of Business was added to the Princeton Review's Best 282 Business Schools. The program was among a total of 20% to make the list. Five years ago: ISU professor Robert Curbett was elected president of The American Institute of Professional Geologists.… Post the First Comment

With so many changes on campus, it is easy to overlook other changes going on throughout the community. After more than seven years of careful planning, Uptown Normal's redevelopment project is underway. "We are undertaking what is one of the largest re-development projects our community has ever seen," Nora Dukowitz, president of the Uptown Renewal Office, said.… Post the First Comment

When one thinks of cash crops in Illinois, marijuana is generally not a plant that comes to mind. However, marijuana is now the state's third ranked money crop. According to a report published in the Bulletin for Cannabis Reform December 2006 by Dr. Jon Gettman, a regional economics expert and adjunct instructor at Shepard University, Illinois' marijuana crop was valued at more than $272 million.… 1 Comment