Thursday, June 26th, 2025

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Good morning, Normal. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of June.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A 19-year-old man was killed after being struck by a train near the intersection of North Towanda Avenue — Kays Drive in Normal Tuesday afternoon, and he was pronounced dead at 5:04 p.m. while authorities continue their investigation with an autopsy set for Wednesday. WJBC
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Emir Thomas, a 19-year-old man from Chicago, was arrested on Tuesday by U.S. Marshals and charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery-discharge of a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon for his alleged connection to a shooting near the Bone Student Center on Illinois State University's campus on April 28—authorities say one person was injured. WJBC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Normal resident Kathi Davis published her debut memoir The Closest Exit May Be Behind You, which tells the story of her 35-year flight attendant career and her fear of flying. The book is available at local stores like The Garlic Press, the McLean County Museum of History gift shop, and Ryburn Place (and on Amazon). WGLT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Deriva Energy proposes the Dawson Solar project—a 300-megawatt solar farm nine miles southeast of Bloomington-Normal that will begin construction mid-2027 and operate late 2028—and the project may bring over $563 million in investments and long-term tax revenue over 40 years. The company held an open house in Normal to hear local concerns and said it might adjust plans, such as adding a plant screen, to reduce the project’s impact. WGLT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Connect Transit will launch its door-to-door service, Connect Go, in rural areas of McLean County next month. The new service will run Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (reservations should be made one to three days in advance with cancellations by two hours) to provide better travel options for rural residents. Central Illinois Proud
- ➤ State Rep. Bill Hauter—the only doctor in the Illinois legislature—announced his plan to seek a third term in a rural district covering Bloomington-Normal, Peoria, Decatur and Springfield. He said Illinois is failing because of bad government choices and noted that his healthcare bills have moved forward while his primary election is set for March 17. WGLT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Carle BroMenn Medical Center launched Journey, a new intensive outpatient program in Normal to help adult patients transition from round-the-clock care to independent living. The program runs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers counseling, education, yoga — and meditation after patients are evaluated for a better fit than standard outpatient care. WGLT
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR ACTIVE’s enzyme laundry booster is all-natural and fragrance-free. Instead of just masking odors, it uses bioactive ingredients to break down lingering smells for fresher clothes. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Normal.
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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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Open House at 2236 Boulder Drive
3:30-4:30 p.m. — 2236 Boulder Drive — $284,900 — Explore this charming ranch home with a great backyard and modern features in Normal's North Fields Subdivision.
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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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Cowboy Boots Night at The Corn Crib
6:30-8:00 p.m. — The Corn Crib — Various prizes available — Celebrate with the Corn Belters and enjoy a night filled with fun and family-friendly activities.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Normal.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Don't find fault, find remedy.
~ Henry Ford
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