Good morning, Normal.

The Illinois Prairie Community Foundation awarded $222,411 in competitive grants to 97 programs in McLean, DeWitt, Livingston and Logan counties to support education, health, wellness and arts projects.

Grants ranged from $600 to $7,695 — funded by donor campaigns and dedicated funds — and Sorensen helped secure a $750,000 grant for the police to hire six additional officers.

Illinois Art Station is now managed by the town's Cultural Arts Department after a month-long hiring process that drew social media pushback—local residents questioned the decision to reject three longstanding candidates.

The nonprofit, facing long-term financial challenges, will wind down by the end of the year as new staff were selected to boost public school partnerships and serve underserved communities.

Operators of virtual currency kiosks in Illinois may soon get new consumer protections if Senate Bill 2319 passes (the bill would place kiosks under IDFPR oversight and require the industry to cover related costs).

The legislation advanced in committee with an 8 to 3 vote and still must pass both the Senate and the House before reaching the governor.

The Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District said two sewer upgrade projects will begin in June and finish by year's end to repair aging sewers and clear a homeless encampment along Sugar Creek—this includes an $800,000 Kelsey Street interceptor upgrade and new pipes under the railroad tracks, with officials confirming that the Town of Normal and Home Sweet Home Ministries notified the residents. The projects will disrupt the encampment near Auto Zone as the work proceeds.

Connect Transit will take over rural public transit in McLean County on July 1, replacing Show Bus after McLean County withdrew from its agreement last summer.

The agency said it is prepared with the needed vehicles, accessible vans, and trained workers for a smooth switch—though experts warn funding challenges may require more local support in the future.

Monarch Butterfly Paint Nite

6:30-8:30 p.m. — BloNo Pizza Co. — Cost of supplies included — Unleash your inner artist while enjoying pizza and drinks in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

Family Paint Party

6:30-8:30 p.m. — BloNo Pizza Co. — Cost of participation — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of creativity with guided painting and delicious food.

Paint Nite: Moonshine Mountains

6:30-8:30 p.m. — BloNo Pizza Co. — $45 per person — Unleash your creativity while enjoying pizza and painting your masterpiece.

Tri-Shark Classic Triathlon and Duathlon

1-5 p.m. — 13001 Recreation Area Dr, Hudson, IL — Registration fees apply — Compete in the Bloomington-Normal area's premier sprint triathlon and duathlon on a flat and fast course through Comlara Park.