Daily
Normal
Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
Good morning, Normal. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 22nd of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Dave Glacinski from Lexington was named one of the 2025 outstanding volunteers by the Department of Natural Resources for his work at Starved Rock State Park. He volunteered weekly to maintain the trails and work at the visitor center (his favorite job) while also involving his family (including his granddaughters) in park activities. WGLT
- ➤ Pub Club Rotary volunteers assembled Thanksgiving meal baskets for Boys and Girls Club families — providing meals to support local families ahead of the holiday. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Community leaders in Bloomington-Normal will host the Thanksgiving Community Collaborations on Nov 26 at the Western Avenue Community Center — residents can receive a brand-new slow cooker with a cookbook or Thanksgiving groceries while supplies last and must call 309-531-8303 to register by noon on Nov 22 for a chance to sample a meal by the Westminster Village head chef. Central Illinois Proud
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Normal Police Department is teaming up with Illinois State Police and local partners—enforcing seat-belt laws and checking for speeding, distracted, and impaired driving from November 21 to December 2. Drivers are urged to buckle up and arrange sober rides this Thanksgiving. Cities 92.9
- ➤ McLean County has launched a new three-year Behavioral Health Action Plan to improve mental health services, update record keeping, and reduce repeat crimes. The plan—crafted by a group of county agencies and judges—will help young adults and guide future updates through 2028. WGLT
- ➤ Connect Transit got a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support clean transportation through two vehicle programs. The Pantagraph
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A community health specialist from the statewide Recovery Oriented System of Care has launched an online survey to gather public views on gaps in local recovery services for mental health and substance abuse. The survey—containing 17 questions—is open until Nov. 30 as part of efforts to reduce stigma and improve treatment access in McLean County. WGLT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ University High’s volleyball team won the IHSA Class 3A State Championship by beating Nazareth Academy in two sets at CEFCU Arena—its first title in 25 years. A ceremony was held Friday where coach Ratasha Thompson praised the team’s mental toughness and noted they finished the season with a 38-4 record. WGLT
- ➤ Undefeated El Paso-Gridley is set to take on Wilmington in the 2A state semifinals, with coach Tanner Benedict saying the tough schedule has prepared the team well. In other sports — Normal West and U-High won their girls hoops opening-round games, Normal West signed two volleyball players on Friday, and Illinois Wesleyan will play today at 5:00 p.m. in the NCAA DIII Sweet 16 after a five-set win over St. Olaf. Central Illinois Proud
- ➤ The Illinois State men’s basketball team beat Rockford 93-48 at home on Thursday—led by Jack Daugherty—and will host Coastal Carolina on Sunday. Illinois Wesleyan swept Asbury in college volleyball and faced St. Olaf Friday while several high school girls basketball teams, including Peoria Notre Dame, won their games. Central Illinois Proud
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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.
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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.
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Santa's Station at Uptown Normal
1-4 p.m. — Uptown Normal — Free; donations appreciated — Experience holiday cheer with Santa, crafts, and music at his train depot.
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Indiana State Sycamores vs. Illinois State Redbirds Men's Basketball
4-5:30 p.m. — CEFCU Arena — Watch live for free — Witness a thrilling college basketball matchup between local rivals.
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