Good morning, Normal.

Uptown Normal will be transformed into a giant playground on Saturday, Sept.

27 as the Children's Discovery Museum hosts its annual Day of Play presented by PNC Bank. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.—featuring STEAM projects, art stations, a bike rodeo, and guest appearances by Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat—and road closures on North Street, East Beaufort Street and Constitution Boulevard will begin at 6 a.m.

Bloomington author Jasmine Shegog (J.J.

Bundy) released her new self-help book The Power of Reframe on September 15, which shows adults how to heal by changing their thoughts and simple daily habits. She wrote the book after personal loss to offer small wins that help rebuild confidence (each step is a new start).

The Constitution Trail—running from Northtown Road to Kerrick Road—is closed today at 7 a.m. for an asphalt overlay.

Today, the Constitution Trail from Northtown Road to Kerrick Road and the trailhead parking lot at Kerrick Road will be closed for asphalt overlay work—this project is expected to end by Friday but may stretch into Monday if weather delays continue.

Central Illinois Regional Airport received a $12.5 million grant from the FAA to start work on its Runway 11/29 Rehabilitation Project.

The first phase—set to run in spring, summer and fall 2026—will upgrade pavement, lights and safety features with a final phase planned for 2027.

Chestnut Health Systems received a $1.1 million federal grant to study ways to lower overdose risk for people leaving jail or prison.

The Lighthouse Institute will run a five-year trial to create treatments that local health and legal systems can use—efforts that build on previous work with community partners.

Child Passenger Safety Week reminded parents that one-third of children who die in car collisions are not in a safety seat and 46% of car seats are installed incorrectly—Jenny Neil of McLean County Health Department stressed that using the proper car seat and keeping children under two rear-facing is vital. Free car seat safety checks will be held in Bloomington on Saturday, September 27 with OSF HealthCare St. Joseph from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. along with additional events at Morton Fire Department, Morton Police Department and Graham Convenient Care in Canton.

Oktoberfest Rotary Run

2-4 p.m. — Union Park — Fundraiser entry — Participate in the Annual Oktoberfest 5K Run and 1 mile Fun Walk to support local youth services.