Good morning, Normal.

The Interstate Center will become a winter wonderland for Baby Fold’s Festival of Trees this weekend, featuring over 600 decorated trees, wreaths, and gingerbread creations.

The event will start Friday at 9 a.m. with an opening night gala on Thursday and will raise funds for local children and families — the organization’s largest annual fundraiser.

Holiday events in Bloomington-Normal will bring festive lights, parades, and markets for families starting with The Baby Fold’s Festival of Trees from Nov 20–22 and continuing with farmers’ markets and brewery tours in Normal.

Locals can enjoy parades, sales, and seasonal traditions designed to spark community spirit — the season promises many chances for family fun.

Ameren Illinois said customers will see stable natural gas prices this winter — after lowering rates by 30% over five years by buying cheaper summer gas to store for winter — and advised people to save money by keeping thermostats at 68 degrees and water heaters at 120 degrees.

AAA expects over 4.1 million Illinois residents to travel at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving—approximately 3.7 million will drive while the remainder use air, bus, train or cruise from Nov 25 to Dec 1.

The association also said most flights should run on time if weather conditions remain favorable.

Bloomington local Ojas Shah was recognized as one of 10 4-H members awarded the Illinois Sustaining the Future Award for 2025 to 2026—an honor that highlights his role in youth agriculture and community service.

A rally was held in Uptown Normal on Monday afternoon in front of Representative Daren LaHood’s office by the Alliance for Community Services to defend SNAP benefits and federal healthcare cuts.

About 60 people attended the event—waving signs and joining a food drive organized by the Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans—to share their concerns with local leaders.

Illinois truckers applauded a federal pause on issuing non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses that was ordered in late-September and hope the state confirms the measure, saying it protects American jobs.

Media reports indicate the state has quietly halted these licenses — local drivers stress that strict enforcement is needed to correct industry problems.

El Paso Gridley beat Farmington 32-15 in their quarterfinal game when pick-sixes by Braden Gibson and Chavon Maxon turned the game in their favor.

The Titans will play Wilmington on the road at 5:00 p.m. next Saturday—showing that their strong defense kept their season alive.

City of Bloomington Turkey Trot

9-11 a.m. — Miller Park — Free entry — A family-friendly event featuring runs and walks to kick off Thanksgiving Day.

NPC Mid-American Winter Classic

10 AM – 10 PM — Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center — Ticketed event — Witness amateur athletes showcase their skills in bodybuilding and physique competitions.