Good morning, Normal.

Bloomington-Normal mourns local advocate Ryan Whitehouse, who died Sept.

24 after an accident in Michigan—he spent over 12 years at the Illinois Farm Bureau and led funding efforts for public transit and economic development projects in the community.

Singer A.J. Croce will perform in Bloomington on Sunday, Sept.

28 at 7:30 p.m.—he will include his father Jim Croce's songs along with a few of his own to mark his 50th birthday.

Industry leaders gathered in Normal this week at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center for the Illinois Trucking Association’s annual meeting where executive director Matthew Hart and retired Marine Corps pilot Robert Darling addressed economic challenges and tax matters affecting local freight operations—Hart explained that bonus depreciation from recent tax cuts helps companies stay afloat while Darling stressed the industry’s role in national security and outlined plans for a multimodal transportation center south of Central Illinois Regional Airport.

ISU President Aondover Tarhule said he will launch new support programs to help students stay local—he explained that the plan will build stronger ties between the university and our community.

The initiatives will connect local jobs and services with student needs.

University of Illinois Extension family life educator Sara Attig will lead a program called Staying Cool Across the Generations at Carlock Public Library on Oct 15 at 1:30 p.m. to give residents practical tools to improve communication across ages — a skill that helps both homes and workplaces.

At Illinois State University's State of the University address on Thursday, President Tarhule said enrollment grew to 21,994 this fall, the budget balanced, and plans are set to raise retention to 85% and graduation to 70% by 2030.

He also outlined plans to improve campus facilities and expand programs in nursing, engineering, and creative technologies to meet workforce needs amid rising costs.

Bloomington Normal Water Reclamation District is seeking community input on a pilot green infrastructure project designed to modernize wastewater treatment on Gridley Street.

Officials say the project will shape local services—residents can offer feedback to help plan its next steps.

Representative Darin LaHood filed a federal bill to name Historic Route 66 a National Historic Trail that would honor the 2,400-mile road built in 1926 and boost tourism in McLean County—supporters say the bill, now on the House calendar, will protect a route once used by Abraham Lincoln and many African American travelers. The legislation has bipartisan backing and could soon grant the historic highway a status that preserves its legacy.

The town of Normal has finished quick-build projects that shorten crosswalk distances and close part of School Street to improve pedestrian safety.

Officials are collecting community feedback until December+ they will use the response with traffic data to guide future roadway planning.

Oktoberfest Rotary Run

2-4 p.m. — Union Park — Fundraiser entry — Participate in the Annual Oktoberfest 5K Run and 1 mile Fun Walk to support local youth services.