Good morning, Normal.

Habitat for Humanity partnered with Foundation Recovery Systems to finish building a home for a family in need near downtown Bloomington today—contractors painted and trimmed the house for free.

The four-member family helped build the home and will soon start a fresh life—receiving a safe place to live.

Normal will host its first Stride & Ride open street event as part of Parks & Recreation Month.

From 8-11 a.m. on July 20, a two-mile route will allow residents to walk, jog or bike from Anderson Park to Main Street along West College Avenue & West Mulberry Street, with Anderson Park serving as event central offering restrooms, booths & entertainment.

A man was arrested in a store parking lot for selling about 315.5 grams of cocaine for $9,300 in broad daylight—according to the McLean County prosecutor.

District 87 approved a plan to build an adaptive playground at Stevenson Elementary School in Bloomington for students with disabilities and the community; Minnesota-based Landscape Structures won the contract and District 87 and Bloomington will share the first $750,000 in costs—completion is expected this fall.

Five major road projects are under development in the Bloomington-Normal area; two projects, including work on Hamilton Road and the historic Route 66 bike trail, will be completed by the end of this year while improvements on I-74 ramps, College Avenue, and Illinois 9 will finish in summer 2026 or spring 2027.

On Thursday, the McLean County Board approved an audit of the county’s 1% mental health and public safety sales tax fund that must be approved by Normal and Bloomington and capped at $50,000, with officials set to discuss the work scope and request proposals soon.

The board also finalized the contract for The Bridge shelter project by Home Sweet Home Ministries – scheduled to open this winter – and approved actions on a labor contract with Metcom, code updates, and a school resource officer agreement.

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.