Good morning, Normal.

Bloomington will host a free family-friendly Juneteenth celebration at Miller Park on Saturday, June 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.—the event features live music, a children's area, food trucks, free zoo and mini-golf admission, and honors local leaders with volunteers still needed for setup on June 20.

For Father's Day, local dads in Central Illinois spoke about what it means to be a dad and shared lessons from their lives.

They described the ups and downs of raising kids while working in hockey, music, real estate, and art—showing both the challenges and joys of fatherhood.

In 1873, Towanda native Mattie Stephenson left for Memphis to care for yellow fever patients and died while helping during the deadly outbreak—she was later honored as an angel of mercy with a monument at Elmwood Cemetery.

Historic accounts recall her brave service, which began in late September or early October, as a lasting example of selfless care.

Bloomington artist Troy Freeman said becoming a father changed his life when his daughter Ariel was born and again with his daughter Ginnie.

He said his daughters, 28 year old Ariel who served in the Navy and 14 year old Ginnie who leads at school, inspire him to create art with purpose (he believes family always comes first).

The Normal Town Council will vote today at 7:00 p.m. on a proposal to stop short term rentals in single family homes and duplexes while still allowing them in multifamily and commercial zones—this decision may change housing options in town.

Bloomington musician Nick 'Maestro' Jones welcomed his first child, Nazir Jimmy Lee Jones, on May 22 at 11:37 a.m. in Bloomington.

He is also raising his 5-year-old stepdaughter Zuhri Patterson as he adjusts to fatherhood.

Adie Mendez Live Performance

11 p.m. — Uptown Circle — Free entry — Enjoy a night of contemporary vocals from Chicago's Adie Mendez under the stars.

Terrific Tuesday: Who's There?!? by Illinois Shakespeare Festival

10:00 – 10:40 AM — Connie Link Amphitheatre — Free entry — Experience a lively 40-minute performance where Hamlet meets A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a family-friendly romp.