Good morning, Normal.

Home Sweet Home Ministries broke ground on its new shelter village, The Bridge, on July 10 on Oakland Avenue to offer 48 tiny cabins for 56 adults.

Local leaders said the facility—providing mental health, substance use, and other support services—marks a major step in addressing homelessness in our community.

City crews responded Wednesday night to a roof collapse at Reconcile Church on E.

Mulberry Street deeded to Living Word Ministries + no injuries were reported as Public Works quickly blocked off the area while officials continued monitoring the unstable building.

State Farm will raise Illinois homeowners insurance rates—by 27.2% starting Aug.

15—affecting nearly 1.5 million policyholders as it cites rising catastrophic losses from extreme weather. New customers will see the rate increase beginning July 15.

Bloomington-based rapper Darīus Williams will debut his new sound with never-before-heard tracks during his 5:45 p.m. set on Friday, July 18 at Make Music Normal in Uptown Normal—an annual free and family-friendly festival that draws local and regional talent.

After a two-year break to focus on family and personal growth, he will bring a refreshed style influenced by his faith and life experiences.

State Farm said that Illinois home insurance rates will go up 27% in August because it paid out more on claims than it collected in premiums and will now require a Wind/Hail deductible—auto insurance rates for new and existing policies will drop 5.7% starting July 18—as the company adjusts to lower claims costs.

The McLean County Health Department reported that a mosquito pool in Bloomington’s 61705 area tested positive for West Nile virus this year after a lab confirmation on July 7, though no human cases have been reported.

The department began posting doorhangers with prevention tips—aiming to help residents avoid mosquito bites—on July 8.

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.

Emmett Isabel Osorio Live Concert

11 PM — Uptown Circle — Free entry — Experience heartfelt music dedicated to empowerment and memories in a beautiful outdoor setting.