Good morning, Normal.

Bloomington-Normal police reported that juvenile gun violence increased as arrests rose from 5 to 15 between 2023 and 2024 and more guns were seized; authorities urged locals to report suspicious activity—helping police protect the community from further incidents.

Kamokunani Hula Halau is sharing Hawaiian and Polynesian culture in Central Illinois by teaching hula that brings the aloha spirit—founder Johnette Palumbo leads classes and local performances.

The halau resumed in 2023 after a six-year pause and now serves 17 students with lessons that honor tradition and ohana.

Normal Community High School is holding its graduation at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 24 at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.

Fox Creek Elementary hosted a graduation walk for high school seniors who began their education there—honoring longtime volunteer Dawn Hall who died on January 5, 2024—and highlighting plans for an outdoor classroom to be completed this fall in her memory.

The Town of Normal, BNWRD and Home Sweet Home Ministries are working to disperse the AutoZone encampment along Sugar Creek as BNWRD begins major construction this summer to fix a nearby combined sewer overflow—efforts meant to protect the roughly 10 people living there.

Officials continue discussions to provide alternative arrangements before the disbursal on June 1.

Lawmakers in Central Illinois voted 91–19 on May 21 to ban carbon capture near the Mahomet Aquifer; the bill, which exempts Bloomington-Normal and parts of eastern McLean County, passed the Senate and now heads to Gov. Pritzker for approval—it also calls for a commission to study environmental effects.

The Normal town council voted to rezone farmland on the northeast corner of Beech Street and Shelbourne Drive — letting Young America Realty build a new apartment complex after nearly an hour of public comments.

Some residents worried about safety and neighborhood changes — while others said the new housing could boost local business and help families.

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.

Tailgates N' Tallboys Country Music Festival

All Day — McLean County Fairgrounds — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the joy of country music with live performances and a vibrant atmosphere.

Sign & Sing with Communication Junction

10:00-10:30 a.m. — Underwood Park — Free entry — Engage in stories, signs, and bubbles with Miss Meghan for kids ages birth to 5.

Open House at 306 N Blair Drive

10:00am - 11:00am — 306 N Blair Drive — $219,900 — Explore a beautifully updated home with ample outdoor space in Normal's Mission Hills Subdivision.

Family Paint Party

6:30-8:30 p.m. — BloNo Pizza Co. — Supplies included — Unleash your creativity in a fun and guided painting experience for all ages.