Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
Good morning, Normal.
🏘️ Community
Local Venezuelans in Bloomington-Normal, including Juan and Alvaro Bello (community members), felt hope and worry when news broke that Maduro was captured and is en route to jail; they are optimistic his removal signals steps toward better conditions in Venezuela even as they remain concerned for their families living there.
🎭 Culture
Downtown Bloomington will revamp its First Friday program in 2026 based on community feedback to boost participation and support merchants; major events like Tour De Chocolat, Get Your Kicks on Route 66 and Once Upon a Holiday will expand while new themed Saturday events debut in the fall.
Strong Towns Blono has commissioned local sidewalk murals to celebrate Route 66 centennial and boost walkability downtown.
The murals by a local artist will open in June and connect cultural landmarks (the library and museum).
🎓 Education
Forty-two Heartland Community College students in Normal were named to Phi Theta Kappa in the Fall 2025 semester (they had earned at least 12 credit hours with a 3.5 GPA) and now have new opportunities for leadership, service, scholarship, and fellowship.
🏥 Health
Carle Health announced Wednesday that Dr. Robert Cavagnol will succeed Colleen Kannaday as president of Carle BroMenn Medical Center & Carle Eureka Hospital.
The transition is set to begin soon in the Bloomington-Normal area.
🎉 Normal Events
Submit an event →
No new events today. You can submit one here.
🏠 Normal Real Estate
Submit a listing →
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
💼 Normal Job Board
Submit a job →
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
📣 Normal Announcements
Submit an announcement →
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Normal.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.