Good morning, Normal.

The last Texas man among five accused in a multistate auto theft ring pleaded guilty in McLean County+ ending the legal actions against them.

Gamma Phi Circus will present 'A Journey Through the Fine Arts' this weekend (April 12th–13th) in Normal (time and venue details are pending).

A Festival of Colors: Holi Moli returns Saturday, April 12 in Uptown Normal from 1 to 4 p.m.—presented by Normal Community High School’s South Asian Performing Arts Students and Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Clubs, the event will feature live music, dance performances and food while nearby streets begin road closures at 10 a.m. with reopening expected around 6 p.m.

Today, the USDA said invasive pests like the spongy moth and emerald ash borer hurt trees and crops, which may raise food prices and reduce jobs as they already cost the nation about $40 billion a year.

The agency told locals to check equipment and not move firewood more than 50 miles—steps meant to slow their spread.

Illinois State University and the Town of Normal launched the Pedestrian and Roadway Campus Safety Initiative on April 10 to improve safety for everyone traveling through the ISU campus and nearby areas.

The initiative will include a community survey and in-person sessions beginning April 14 — guiding pilot projects at high-risk spots.

State Rep. Regan Deering of Decatur filed a resolution in March proposing that USDA headquarters move from Washington, D.C. to Central Illinois to boost the local economy and improve coordination between farmers and agribusiness leaders — the proposal is now stuck in committee.

The idea follows a similar move in Congress to shift federal agencies closer to the regions they serve.

The YWCA’s Stepping Stones program is almost finished expanding its rape crisis center, with planning that started in 2019 at a cost of $1.5 million.

The center will open in the summer at the YWCA building on 1201 North Hershey Rd in Bloomington and will have a waiting room and soundproof counseling rooms — about $200,000 was raised by the community.

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.

Children's Day/Book Day Celebration

2-4 p.m. — Illinois Art Station — Free entry — Celebrate reading with engaging activities for children and families.

Unit 5K Fun Run

2 PM — Maxwell Park — Registration fee required — Participate in the 4th Annual Unit 5K to support local education initiatives.