Daily
Normal
Wednesday, April 9th, 2025
Good morning, Normal. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 9th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Monday morning, the Illinois State Redbird community gathered at the Redbird Remembrance Memorial to honor the seven men who died in a plane crash a decade ago—sharing stories, tears, and hugs as they remembered Scott Bittner, Terry Stralow, Andy Butler, Jason Jones, Aaron Leetch, Torrey Ward, and pilot Tom Hileman. This event brought together family members, former staff, and community friends to keep the legacy of these men alive. WJBC
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Judge William Yoder on Tuesday upheld a 10-year prison term for Alexander Gayles, a Chicago man who missed a McLean County subpoena for a murder trial last year—Gayles now may file an appeal and will first be eligible for release in May 2029. WGLT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ McHistory shows President Lincoln's short sketch that he wrote in December 1859 when local leader Jesse Fell asked him to reflect on his early life and political struggles. The museum co-production with WGLT proves his own words helped shape his political path—illustrating his small-town roots. WGLT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington-Normal business leaders joined a four-day trade trip to Mexico City last week to talk about tariff concerns that may hurt local farmers, with John Lumpe from the Illinois Soybean Association warning that if Mexico buys more soybeans from Brazil then farmers will face higher costs — Patrick Hoban said tariff uncertainty is slowing economic deals. WGLT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Heartland Community College is partnering with the Normal Fire and Police Departments for a large-scale emergency response drill on Friday, April 11 that will simulate a lithium-ion battery fire in the Electric Vehicle Lab. The exercise will involve brief evacuations at the Advanced Manufacturing Center and Student Commons Building so non-participants can regain full access after the drill. Cities 92.9
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois lawmakers have introduced a bill that uses a victim-first approach to combat human trafficking affecting more than 2,000 victims from 2019 to 2023—an effort intended to improve state coordination and support for survivors. The Senate now considers the proposal, which would also remove the civil lawsuit filing deadline for survivors—ensuring they have more time to seek help without added pressure. WGLT
- ➤ The Normal Town Council approved a measure to modify an intergovernmental agreement so Connect Transit can expand to rural McLean County if additional funds come— council members stressed there would be no cost to the city. The council also approved two new homes on Marble Road in the Blackstone Trails subdivision— an effort to boost local housing. WJBC
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ McLean County’s only rape crisis center at YWCA Stepping Stones raised $1.5 million in a two-year campaign and is nearing the completion of an expansion — the center will double its size and add private counseling rooms. Renovations are expected to finish in June as the center responds to more survivors seeking help. WGLT
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Rivian 5K Charity Run
10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Heartland Community College — Entry fee required — Participate in a fun run supporting local nonprofits with refreshments and an after party.
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Children's Day/Book Day Celebration
2-4 p.m. — Illinois Art Station — Free entry — Celebrate reading with engaging activities for children and families.
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Unit 5K Fun Run
2 PM — Maxwell Park — Registration fee required — Participate in the 4th Annual Unit 5K to support local education initiatives.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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