Saturday, May 17th, 2025

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Good morning, Normal. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Soroptimist International in Bloomington-Normal and OhmFit Activewear are hosting a donation drive for period products including sanitary pads, tampons, deodorant and feminine wipes to help local students in need. Donations are accepted at several community sites until June 10. 25 News Now
- ➤ Jennifer Rhodes from Pekin offered to pay the adoption fees for two dogs at Ruby’s Rescue and Retreat in McLean County to honor her late son Chase, who died in a shooting last month—she said this act remembers his kind heart. The dogs, named Maggie after his dog and Dawson for his friend, were picked up from animal control and have raised $1,240 in donations—helping support the shelter during a hard time. Central Illinois Proud
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Illinois humanities groups — including the McLean County Museum of History — asked state lawmakers in Springfield for more support after federal funds were cut. Lawmakers held a special hearing to address the funding gap as they prepare the state budget. WGLT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A strong dust storm hit McLean County, reducing visibility to near zero and prompting state police to call the driving conditions life threatening (winds reached 59 mph at Central Illinois Regional Airport). Interstates 55 and 74 closed briefly until the dust cleared. 25 News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois lawmakers are pushing HR68 to have warehouse owners install rooftop solar panels—critics warn the panels may bring fire and building risks and could add to rising electric bills. Rep. Halbrook said the change comes as ComEd customers may face up to a $10 monthly increase starting June 1. Cities 92.9
- ➤ Yesterday, the City of Bloomington and Town of Normal launched BN The Solution, a campaign to raise awareness of homelessness resources and panhandling guidance in our community + to provide online information and printed materials at government offices and local businesses. City of Normal
- ➤ About two dozen protestors gathered outside U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood's office in uptown Normal this week to protest potential cuts to Medicaid + social services, saying they rely on these supports for their families. Lawmakers now face pressure to review the proposals amid community concern. The Pantagraph
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR Only two days remain to take advantage of some of Amazon’s best Prime Day deals. The sale makes upgrading every room of the house simple: We recommend these under sink organizing shelves for your bathroom, Roku’s 40-Inch smart TV for your living room, and the Keurig Hot and Iced Coffee Maker for your kitchen. The Buy
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Heartland Community College student Mairen Mannon was named the 2024-25 Student Athlete of the Year by the National Junior College Athletic Association for her volleyball achievements. The Pantagraph
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Monarch Butterfly Paint Nite
6:30-8:30 p.m. — BloNo Pizza Co. — Cost of supplies included — Unleash your inner artist while enjoying pizza and drinks in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
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Family Paint Party
6:30-8:30 p.m. — BloNo Pizza Co. — Cost of participation — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of creativity with guided painting and delicious food.
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Paint Nite: Moonshine Mountains
6:30-8:30 p.m. — BloNo Pizza Co. — $45 per person — Unleash your creativity while enjoying pizza and painting your masterpiece.
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Tri-Shark Classic Triathlon and Duathlon
1-5 p.m. — 13001 Recreation Area Dr, Hudson, IL — Registration fees apply — Compete in the Bloomington-Normal area's premier sprint triathlon and duathlon on a flat and fast course through Comlara Park.
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Tailgates N' Tallboys Country Music Festival
All Day — McLean County Fairgrounds — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the joy of country music with live performances and a vibrant atmosphere.
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Sign & Sing with Communication Junction
10:00-10:30 a.m. — Underwood Park — Free entry — Engage in stories, signs, and bubbles with Miss Meghan for kids ages birth to 5.
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Open House at 306 N Blair Drive
10:00am - 11:00am — 306 N Blair Drive — $219,900 — Explore a beautifully updated home with ample outdoor space in Normal's Mission Hills Subdivision.
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Family Paint Party
6:30-8:30 p.m. — BloNo Pizza Co. — Supplies included — Unleash your creativity in a fun and guided painting experience for all ages.
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The Best Amazon Prime Day Discounts on Car Accessories
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Purple Royal Seat Cushion | $119 $89
Sitting in your car all day? Improve comfort with Purple’s hyper-elastic polymer cushion, built to give your tailbone ease.
Shop all deals.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only way out is through.
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