Good morning, Normal.

The Town of Normal is celebrating Park and Recreation Month throughout July with free activities for residents in local parks — events that invite community participation and outdoor fun.

Officials note that the schedule includes a variety of public gatherings planned across the town.

A fast-moving fire heavily damaged a home in the Ironwood Subdivision Wednesday evening and firefighters rescued two dogs from a closed bedroom while safely moving propane cylinders to prevent further hazards—no human injuries were reported.

Normal firefighters urged residents to sleep with closed bedroom doors after rescuing two dogs from a house fire on Wednesday night in the 1900 block of Claremont Country Club Commons (Ironwood subdivision) as a closed door kept fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide out amid a rapid spread fueled by ignited propane tanks and a partial roof collapse.

Rivian Automotive received $1 billion from Volkswagen as part of a $5.8 billion joint venture to share technology, while the company reported a 23% drop in sales and laid off about 150 salaried manufacturing workers to boost efficiency.

Construction began on May 5 along Rivian Motorway in Normal and will be completed next year—an expansion supported by state and local financial incentives.

Students from Bloomington-Normal won multiple awards at the SkillsUSA Championships in Atlanta last week as over 6,500 Illinois students competed in career and technical programs.

A lane reduction will begin at 6 a.m. Monday, July 7 on Gregory Street between Parkside Road and Cottage Avenue for pavement repair — drivers should note that lanes will reopen daily at 2 p.m. until work is completed by 2 p.m. Friday, July 11, weather permitting.

Normal will reduce the right lane on South Cottage Avenue from Village Court to Martin Luther King Drive for storm inlet repairs beginning 7 a.m. Monday, July 7.

The repairs are expected to finish by 2 p.m. Friday, July 11 — drivers should use caution in the area.

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.

Terrific Tuesday with the Illinois Shakespeare Festival

10:00 – 10:40 AM — Connie Link Amphitheatre — Free entry — Enjoy a lively performance combining tales from Hamlet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream for young audiences.

Cowboy Boots Night at The Corn Crib

6:30-8:00 p.m. — The Corn Crib — Various prizes available — Celebrate with the Corn Belters and enjoy a night filled with fun and family-friendly activities.