Good morning, Normal.

Saturday, at CIRA, 23 teams pulled a 47-ton plane in an inaugural event that raised nearly $50K — surpassing the $35K goal — to fund Special Olympics Illinois programs for over 29,000 athletes; Normal PD — with Bloomington officers — participated to bolster the community effort.

Corn Belt Energy announced it will return $15 million in capital credits to members (later this summer) as it introduces a new Time-of-Use rate to lower bills.

The meeting at Normal Community High School also featured CEO Don Taylor's retirement announcement, and the co-op has begun searching for a replacement.

Premium Loaves, a growing Jimmy John’s franchisee, will move its headquarters from Normal to the historic Clay Dooley Building in Bloomington after city council approved a $4.2 million redevelopment plan.

The 25,000 sqft property will house offices and retail spaces with room for 20 employees.

Laurie Metcalf, an Illinois State University alumna (Edwardsville native), earned her third Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for Death of a Salesman on Broadway; her win connects local talent to national theater success.

A new mural has been revealed at the iconic Sprague’s Super Service (Ryburn’s Place) in honor of the Route 66 centennial celebration, featuring bright colors and landmarks that reflect local history.

The gift shop is open Thursday to Sunday for those wanting to see the artwork up close.

The Music Shoppe is celebrating 65 years of serving local musicians + a new video shows its long legacy in town.

The anniversary underscores the shop's ongoing role in supporting music and community arts.

Feli Sebastian has been named a History Maker by the McLean County Museum of History and will be honored at a gala on June 17.

She has long guided local support programs and counseling services that help vulnerable community members thrive.

Dr. Jennifer Huffman, the Baby Fold’s VP of clinical operations, released a book and companion app to help guide parents and teachers caring for neurodivergent children with PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance).

The guide offers real-time color-coded alerts to help manage behavior at key moments.

U.S. Rep. LaHood, who serves parts of Bloomington-Normal, said his years of work will pay off when the World Cup starts Thursday at multiple venues.

He helped lower visa wait times and add anti-drone measures (a bipartisan effort) to keep the games safe.

Bloomington City Council approved three installments totaling $100K for the Economic Development Council on Monday with conditions (progress reports, financial records and strategic alignment) to secure accountability.

The decision, following a leadership change, ensures continued community support.

Summer Horticulture Field Day 2026

8:30 AM – 3:00 PM — Rader Family Farms — Tickets Required — Explore horticulture through tours and presentations on specialty crops at this engaging field day.

Beauty and the Beatz Day Party

1-4 p.m. — DESTIHL Brewery and Beer Hall — $48.31 — Enjoy a lively day party with music and great vibes.

Fourth of July Sky Concert

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Fairview Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks set to music and family activities at Fairview Park.