Good morning, Normal.

WMBD/WYZZ employees volunteered at Wildlife Prairie Park and the Midwest Food Bank in Normal on June 15 for the annual Nexstar Founder’s Day of Caring — an event established in 2016 to encourage local volunteerism.

Cities 92.9 and its sister stations along with local sponsors will host the 8th Annual Seats For Soldiers event to raise $25,000 for VFW 454 on July 3rd at 6:00 a.m. at the Corn Crib—Chris Murphy and Glen Cooper will broadcast 36 straight hours while community members are encouraged to save seats marked with the American flag through in-person or text donations.

Miller Park Zoo welcomed its new resident sloth, Taco, in a video that shows him slowly exploring his enclosure.

The 2025 Illinois Shakespeare Festival in Bloomington will open next week at Ewing Cultural Center with a preview of A Midsummer Night's Dream on June 25 and its official opening on June 26—Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest debuts on June 28 with Hamlet starting two weeks later as local natives Kim McKean and Vanessa Stalling make their festival debuts.

Monday night, the Normal Town Council voted 5–2 to ban short-term rentals in single-family neighborhoods, forcing Airbnb owners to sell or convert their properties within five years.

Liz Austin, who spent nearly $50,000 to set up her three-bedroom rental for traveling families, said the decision limits a needed option for visitors.

Keisa Owen Seifert of Bloomington was diagnosed with ALS in March after nearly two years of symptoms—her family is hosting a benefit at Minier Tap today beginning at 2:30 p.m. and a poker run starting at 10 a.m. to help cover her care costs.

The Illinois Special Olympics Summer Games started on Friday at Illinois State University in Normal (with thousands of athletes playing seven sports) and will hold a victory dance and family events today to celebrate inclusion over the weekend.

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.

Open House at 2236 Boulder Drive

3:30-4:30 p.m. — 2236 Boulder Drive — $284,900 — Explore this charming ranch home with a great backyard and modern features in Normal's North Fields Subdivision.

Free Popsicles in the Park

1-3 p.m. — White Oak Park — Free entry — Celebrate National Parks & Recreation Month with yard games, popsicles, and music.