Good morning, Normal.

A theatrical union made up of IATSE Local 85 and Local 193 has condemned USA Concerts and Events for not hiring local stagehands for Tailgate N’ Tallboys, saying the organizers switched to an out-of-state nonunion crew — a move that may break a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Bloomington-Normal police say realistic fake guns are used by young people and a 15-year-old in Normal was shot dead after showing off his Sig Sauer P365 BB gun that looked real—officials say better markings and tougher rules will help avoid more tragedies.

Taichi Fukumura—music director for the Illinois Symphony Orchestra—has played the violin since age three and now shares his life-long love of music with communities from Bloomington-Normal to Springfield as part of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Born in Tokyo and 32 years old, he said working closely with orchestra colleagues and supporters allows him to continue a dream come true and to create unique music programming.

Bloomington native Matthew Curry returns home after more than five years in Nashville to release his first album in six years—One for the Ride—and will hold a release concert on June 6 at 8 p.m. at the Castle Theatre.

He said the album will feature added horns and a mix of new and familiar tracks—promising a return to his energetic rock style—at the upcoming show.

Unit 5 school board members updated the cell phone policy on May 22 to require students to keep phones away during class unless a teacher gives permission for learning—teachers and a survey noted fewer referrals while concerns persisted over classroom distractions.

The board also reviewed a 2025 budget update with revenue expected to rise after a tax payment on May 30 and announced plans to combine school handbooks into a digital format with final updates coming in late June or early July.

Carol Willis' generous donations upgraded the park for the IWU softball team, adding features like a new pavilion and digital scoreboard.

The park will host the NCAA Division III World Series May 29—June 4, and her work continues to inspire young players.

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.