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š± How could strict new data center rules shape Normalās future growth?
Normal, Illinois Patch AM: a 4 min readGreetings Normal! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. āļø
In today's newsletter:
- How could strict new data center rules shape Normalās future growth?
- How two Normal firefighters earned Illinoisā highest honor for bravery
- What investigators say happened in the fatal I-55 crash near Normal
Today's riddle: what do you call a rabbit with fleas? š¤ (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: Windy and not as warm, with a high of 69 and low of 43 degrees.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny and beautiful, temps: high: 70, low: 53.
- Friday: A couple of morning showers, with a high of 81 and low of 61 degrees.
š° News we're reading
1. McLean County proposes stricter guidelines for data centers while waiting for the state to act (wglt.org) ā McLean County is moving toward some of Illinoisā toughest rules on data centers, and Normalās mayor says the town hasnāt attracted any interest from these companies so far. The proposal would force data centers to cover infrastructure costs, report water and power use, and plan for decommissioning. Residents will have a chance to weigh in at public hearings in early June. 
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2. Two Normal firefighters receive state's Medal of Valor for pulling child from mobile home fire (wglt.org) ā Two Normal firefighters have received Illinoisā Medal of Valor for rescuing a 13-year-old boy from a deadly fire at Northmeadow Village mobile home park last November. Although the child later died, Lt. Matt Hill and paramedic Nathan Riordan are being honored for their bravery, describing intense emotions, rigorous training, and strong support from the Normal Fire Department and their families. Ā Ā Ā
3. Coroner identifies Bloomington man killed in motorcycle crash near Normal (wjbc.com) ā Authorities have identified 20-year-old Bloomington resident Caden N. Lovins as the motorcyclist killed Saturday evening on I-55 near Normal. Investigators say he apparently had a mechanical problem, laid his bike down, and was then struck by another motorcycle; two others were hospitalized as the coroner and Illinois State Police continue their investigation. Ā Ā Ā
4. More than 66 fascinating, fun and downright cool stops along Route 66 (latimes.com subscription) ā One of the standout Route 66 stops is Ryburn Place Gifts and Gab in Normal, a restored 1930s Tudor Revival service station now run by Route 66 historian Terri Ryburn, who lives upstairs and welcomes visitors from around the world. The sprawling guide also highlights dozens of other classic motels, museums, diners, and quirky attractions from Chicago to Santa Monica, offering ideas for a full cross-country Mother Road adventure. Ā Ā Ā
5. Stulga's Run-Rule Walk-Off Grand Slam Launches Redbirds Past Eastern Illinois Tuesday Night (goredbirds.com) ā Illinois State wrapped up its 2026 home baseball schedule in Normal with a 15-4, seven-inning run-rule win over Eastern Illinois at Duffy Bass Field, highlighted by Luke Stulgaās walk-off grand slam. The Redbirds finished an impressive 16-3 at home, their best home winning percentage at Duffy Bass in over 20 years, and have now posted at least 12 home wins in Normal in each of the last three seasons. Ā Ā Ā
šø Around Normal
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Upcoming Events in
Normal
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
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Grow Solar BN 2026 Power Hour @ Keg Grove Brewery
Keg Grove Brewing Company, 712 East Empire St, Bloomington
5:30 pm -
Torn Curtain
Normal Theater, 209 W North St, Normal
7:00 pm -
North by Northwest
Normal Theater, 209 W North St, Normal
3:00 pm -
Grand Prairie Bird Alliance Queer Bird Outing
Ewing Park II, 1001 Ethell Parkway, Bloomington
8:00 am -
Rear Window
Normal Theater, 209 W North St, Normal
3:00 pm -
The Man Who Knew Too Much
Normal Theater, 209 W North St, Normal
7:00 pm -
Town Council Meeting ā
Normal, IL Calendar, 11 Uptown Circle, Normal
7:00 pm -
Summer Program Prep Volunteering: May 19, 2026 (2:00-4:00pm)
Ecology Action Center, 202 W College Ave, Normal
2:00 pm
Thursday May 14
Saturday May 16
Sunday May 17
Monday May 18
Tuesday May 19
š£ Normal Shout Outs!
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š Events Nearby
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BCCHS JV Baseball @ Tri-Valley ā
Tri-Valley High School, 503 E Washington St, Downs
4:30 pm -
Baseball-JV Boys @ Leroy (Game) ā
LEROY Away -
4:30 pm -
Grow Solar BN 2026 Power Hour @ Keg Grove Brewery
Keg Grove Brewing Company, 712 East Empire St, Bloomington
5:30 pm -
Torn Curtain
Normal Theater, 209 W North St, Normal
7:00 pm
Wednesday May 13
Thursday May 14
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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š¬ Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Portillo Restaurant Group posted a job opening for Team Member - $15.25/hr. in Normal. Apply here.
- Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Meat Cutter and Wrapper in Normal. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Normal here.
Ok Normal! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Bugs Bunny ! (Thank you bruce A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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