Preparing for homecoming is supposed to be exciting—not stressful.  The tradition is an undeniable aspect of the high school experience—but it comes with a price tag. A set of acrylics—$70. Hair? Call it a wildcard—hair type, the style, DIY or salon—all variables that set the price. Spray...

Iron Icon is a recurring Inkspot segment highlighting Community alumni making an impact after graduation. Through interviews with teachers, coaches and staff, each installment spotlights an alum’s achievements—whether on the field, in their career or in the community—while connecting their success...

Last season, Ironmen football left fans breathless. Undefeated in Big 12 Conference play. A 10-2 record. A 7A IHSA State Quarterfinals appearance. Nearly toppling Mount Carmel—a program that’s long stood as a titan of Illinois high school football. The wins? Impressive. The roster? Stacked—with...

Tick-tack-tick-tack-tick-tack-tick-tack. The hot concrete of Comlara park sparked with each strike of Armoni Conner’s make-shift clothesline rope, surrounded by the giggles of seniors as they skipped. When Conner heard the “picnic” in Senior Picnic, she knew what she was going to bring—her...

The May-hem is upon us—the inboxes are full. The college tees are out. The senior absences keep adding up. Senior season has arrived. As the countdown to graduation winds down, the spotlight often shines on spirit week polls, senior sunset movie picks and yearbook superlatives. But one of the...

The screen flickers on, and the opening notes of a timeless tune fill the room. A door swings open, and a familiar figure begins a quiet ritual: sweater zipped, sneakers laced. Whether it’s animated or filmed, the gestures are the same—deliberate, comforting. A signal that it’s time to slow...

Joann Fabrics, a longtime destination for fabric, yarn and craft supplies, is closing all of its retail locations—including its Bloomington store—as part of a nationwide shutdown. While the local store, located in the Bloominton Commons near Barnes & Noble, remains open for now, Community...

The State Farm Center hummed with anticipation–under the bright lights of the IHSA 3A State Wrestling Semifinals, history waited to be written. A senior, unbeaten in 47 matches. A two-time state medalist. One final shot at a championship.  Across from him, a freshman phenom.  David versus...

They move through Yellowstone, the wind ruffling their thick fur as they stalk through the underbrush. Their paws make no sound against the damp earth. Ears pricked, eyes scanning for movement, nose twitching at the faintest scent of mule deer. They are the alpha. They are the hunter. They are…...

The surgeon’s steady hand marks the incision. The scalpel glides across the skin, parting flesh to reveal the damaged ligament beneath. A tendon—healthy, unscarred—harvested from the wrist, severed from its home. The drill whirs to life, its bit biting deep into the ulna, then the humerus,...

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen dominated the 2024 FIA Formula One season, claiming his fourth consecutive Drivers' Title with nine wins and 437 points, while McLaren earned the Constructors’ Championship. McLaren’s Lando Norris finished second in the standings with 374 points, surpassing Ferrari’s...