Daily
Normal
Thursday, May 14th, 2026
Good morning, Normal. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 14th of May.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The local museum, ISU, and Visit BN are teaming up to launch a digital art installation that highlights Route 66 history in Normal, set to debut soon (details are forthcoming). The Pantagraph
- ➤ McLean County Museum of History presents a McHistory episode reviewing the 1973 energy crisis and its local impact. Historian Bill Kemp explains how gas shortages, speed limit changes and early closures in Bloomington-Normal shaped policy—providing insight into today’s energy challenges. WGLT
- ➤ Illinois State University's School of Creative Technologies is mapping the McLean County Museum of History for a light show (honoring Route 66) that will be part of the Cruisin' Through the Century celebration next month. The Pantagraph
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ AAA reports that the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois is now $5.03, up from $4.97 on Tuesday & the state fuel tax will increase to 49.6 cents per gallon on July 1, which may affect pump prices. Cities 92.9
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Normal West Community High School's mock trial team made history last weekend by competing in a national contest for the first time from Unit 5 district and finishing 16th of 48 teams in Des Moines (after winning the state contest in April). Their success has spurred more student interest in the program. 25 News Now
- ➤ Teacher Jennifer Peterson at Kingsley Junior High received a $1,000 award for making science active by letting students explore physical experiments, a method that boosts learning. The grant + will fund more interactive projects for her 7th-grade team. 25 News Now
- ➤ State Senator Sally Turner has launched the 2026 Outstanding Teacher program (for the 44th Senate District) to honor local educators, with nominations accepted until June 1. Winners will receive recognition from the Illinois State Senate, including a certificate and gift card. Cities 92.9
- ➤ Students at Bloomington Junior High wrote over 700 positive messages to lift school spirit and selected seven to be painted on stepping stones (partnering with Alpha Kappa Alpha) that will be placed outside the school entrance. Students will join an after-school pizza party to celebrate the project soon. WGLT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On May 6, 279 new lawyers were sworn in statewide—only 5 were assigned to the Fourth Judicial District covering Bloomington-Normal, highlighting a trend of graduates choosing Cook County. State officials are trying a new rule to help fill legal deserts in rural areas. WGLT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Lincoln native Becca Heitzig excelled with Illinois State track after moving from Iowa State; in five months, she set two school records and earned a Missouri Valley Conference indoor title in the 800 + her supportive coaching helped her overcome early doubts. WJBC
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Summer Horticulture Field Day 2026
8:30 AM – 3:00 PM — Rader Family Farms — Tickets Required — Explore horticulture through tours and presentations on specialty crops at this engaging field day.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The more complete the despair, the more complete the awakening.
~ Carl Jung
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