Daily
Normal
Thursday, September 11th, 2025
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Good morning, Normal. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 11th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The NAACP's Bloomington-Normal branch will host its annual Freedom Fund event on Saturday, Sept. 13+ featuring keynote speaker Aisha Davis with the theme The Fierce Urgency of Now. Tickets have sold out+ and local members will join discussions to push for equality and justice. Central Illinois Proud
- ➤ On Tuesday, Lifelong Access hosted a Golden Hammer open house in downtown Bloomington to update the public about the $26 million renovation of the former Pantagraph building; the project is largely funded by a $21.7 million grant and will see demolition work begin late September so the building can be white boxed by December (it will later serve Lifelong Access, Chestnut Health Systems, and the Regional Office of Education). WGLT
- ➤ A new Bloomington nonprofit called Maddie's HOPE will host a family-friendly bowling fundraiser—Maddie's Bowl for HOPE—from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sept. 21 at Pheasant Lanes to raise funds for epilepsy support in McLean County, featuring raffles, a silent auction, and educational tables staffed by support groups. WGLT
- ➤ Uptown Normal is hosting the 76th annual Great Lakes Shrine Association Fall Business Session at the Uptown Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center from September 11 to 13, with the Shriners Parade scheduled for Saturday, September 13. The parade will start at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Fell and North Streets as Tin Lizzies lead the route while road closures for safety are in effect until 11 a.m. if weather permits. Cities 92.9
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rader Family Farms cut the ribbon on a corn maze to mark Country Financial’s 100th anniversary—this maze displays the company’s name at the top and a handshake image near the bottom. The farm will open its doors on Sept. 13 with new attractions including a pick-your-own apple orchard, paintball, a zip line and mini golf. WJBC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Moses Montefiore Temple in Bloomington-Normal is preparing for the Jewish high holidays during a time of growing tension in the Middle East—services begin Sept. 13 with S’lichot, followed by Rosh Hashanah on Sept. 22-23 and Yom Kippur on Oct. 1-2 with virtual access available. Rabbi Rebecca Dubowe said she listens to community members to help ease hard feelings about the conflict and keep everyone safe during the holidays. WGLT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Heartland Community College’s Challenger Learning Center was honored with the Arthur C. Clarke Innovation Award for its KidWind Renewable-Energy Student Challenge—where more than 150 students engaged in a six-week program to design and test a wind turbine model. Cities 92.9
- ➤ Illinois State University saw its total enrollment rise by 448 students in fall, marking its fourth consecutive year of growth. The College of Engineering surpassed enrollment expectations in its first fall semester—indicating strong interest in the new program. The Pantagraph
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents in McLean County can register by Sept.26 for a free household hazardous waste collection event set for Oct.4 organized by the Ecology Action Center—volunteer slots and appointments are open for safe disposal. The Pantagraph
- ➤ BNWRD and Illinois State University’s Center for a Sustainable Water Future are partnering to install green infrastructure at a pilot lot on 506 S. Gridley St. in Bloomington-Normal to reduce flooding and water pollution. Focus groups will be held on Sept. 29 and Oct. 8 at Bloomington Public Library to gather community input, and new vegetation is planned for next spring—if successful, the project could expand across McLean County. WGLT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The town of Normal is adding a four-way stop at the intersection of Beaufort Street and Broadway Avenue after community complaints about poor sign visibility and speeding, and the change is part of a campus safety initiative with Illinois State University. The new stop will be installed Tuesday, Sept 16—residents are urged to drive carefully with posted signs to guide them. Central Illinois Proud
HOME NEWS
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