Wednesday, June 25th, 2025

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Good morning, Normal. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 25th of June.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Olympian figure skating gold medalist Scott Hamilton will serve as the keynote speaker at the American Red Cross’s 30th anniversary Evening of Stars event held at Illinois State University’s Brown Ballroom on Nov. 12. Funds raised will support disaster response, blood donations and training services for military members and their families — local heroes will also be honored during the event. Central Illinois Proud
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Emir Thomas, a 19-year-old from Chicago, was arrested Tuesday by U.S. Marshals for his alleged involvement in a shooting near ISU’s Bone Student Center that injured a man on April 28 and is charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery discharge, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon — ISU police worked with state and federal agencies in the case. Central Illinois Proud
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Hangar Art Co. will close its downtown storefront on July 11 and then go digital until it finds a new space. Owner Santino Lamancusa said rising rent and uncertain redevelopment plans drove the decision—forcing the gallery to leave a location that has showcased local artists. WGLT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A giant anteater pup was born at Miller Park Zoo on June 16th—its mother Chili cared for it on her back—after staff had monitored her pregnancy closely, and its sex is not yet determined. The father, Arnaud from Nashville Zoo, will be kept separate for a year as the zoo continues conservation efforts for a species considered vulnerable. 25 News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ All lanes of Linden Street at the rail crossing near Uptown Normal will be closed for track work starting at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 29 due to Union Pacific maintenance — work is expected to finish by Wednesday, July 2 at 5 p.m. — and drivers must use a detour via Fell Avenue. WGLT
- ➤ The Normal Town Council banned new short-term rentals and will require current owners to convert to long-term rentals within five years to address neighborhood concerns. Marie Poundstone, who manages four listings, said she finds the move an overcorrection — she hopes officials will review data for a more focused solution. WGLT
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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Adie Mendez Live Performance
11 p.m. — Uptown Circle — Free entry — Enjoy a night of contemporary vocals from Chicago's Adie Mendez under the stars.
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Terrific Tuesday: Who's There?!? by Illinois Shakespeare Festival
10:00 – 10:40 AM — Connie Link Amphitheatre — Free entry — Experience a lively 40-minute performance where Hamlet meets A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a family-friendly romp.
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Kite Fest 2025
11 AM – 6 PM — Grove Elementary School — Free entry — Experience a vibrant day of kite flying, food, and family fun in the sunshine.
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Free Popsicles in the Park
1-3 p.m. — White Oak Park — Free entry — Celebrate National Parks & Recreation Month with yard games, popsicles, and music.
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Terrific Tuesday with the Illinois Shakespeare Festival
10:00 – 10:40 AM — Connie Link Amphitheatre — Free entry — Enjoy a lively performance combining tales from Hamlet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream for young audiences.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.
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