Good morning, Bloomington.

A small basement fire broke out Monday afternoon at 38 Rounds Road on Bloomington’s northeast side—firefighters arrived five minutes after alarms were raised and used less than 100 gallons of water to contain the blaze, displacing two residents with only smoke and water damage and no injuries while officials assess the structure and investigate the cause.

Bloomington-Normal police say juvenile gun incidents have risen sharply as shots fired at local events and near businesses have increased—juvenile arrests for gun crimes tripled in 2024, raising alarm among officials.

A man from Normal was taken into custody after officers found him with methamphetamine during a May 18 traffic stop following a hit-and-run—he also faces charges related to cocaine from an April 26 stop and is set for arraignment on June 6.

The State of Illinois designated Downtown Bloomington as a cultural district and made $3 million available for projects to revitalize the area.

City officials said the move highlights the downtown's historic significance—building on recent state and local investments.

University High School held its graduation at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at Braden Auditorium inside Bone Student Center — the ceremony honored salutatorian Joshitha Bodavula and a group of valedictorians.

A bill that bans carbon sequestration near the Mahomet Aquifer passed out of the General Assembly on Tuesday — sponsors Sen. Paul Faraci and Sen. Chapin Rose aimed to protect a water source serving up to one million residents — and now awaits the governor's review.

The Illinois Department of Transportation said a pavement project began on Interstate 74 from Interstate 55 in Normal to the Carlock interchange on Monday.

The work will close lanes in both directions until November — with intermittent full closures that may lead to delays.

At Monday’s Normal Town Council meeting, officials approved six housing measures that let construction begin on a 36-acre luxury townhouse project with 477 units and rezone a nearly 20-acre site near Collie Ridge into multi-family housing—adding a shelter village near downtown Bloomington with 50 sleeping cabins for up to 56 homeless people. The council also approved related infrastructure projects, including road improvements and water service relocation, to support the town’s overall development plan.

Today, Bloomington-Normal police leaders explained that high rates of officer suicide drove them to change old ideas that stopped officers from seeking help during Mental Health Awareness Month.

They have started programs—like wellness classes and research—to support mental health and shift police culture.

Heart of Illinois Cluster Dog Show

All day — McLean County Fairgrounds — Check website for ticket prices — Enjoy a weekend filled with canine competition and community fun.

Memorial Day Parade

9 AM - 12 PM — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — Free entry — Celebrate Memorial Day with a vibrant parade from Front Street to Miller Park Zoo.

Sixtiesmania

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $44.00+ — Experience a vibrant musical journey through the iconic hits of the '60s with an electrifying tribute band.

The Big Run

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Bloomington-Normal Spine Clinic — Free entry — Celebrate Global Running Day with a fun 3.1-mile run and good friends.

Tri-Shark Classic Triathlon and Duathlon

1-5 p.m. — Comlara Park — Registration required — Experience the premier Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon event in Bloomington-Normal with a flat, fast course.

Tailgates N’ Tallboys Country Music Festival

All day — McLean County Fairgrounds — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with country music and community spirit.

AJ Croce Presents CROCE PLAYS CROCE

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $38.00+ — Experience a musical journey through the songs of A.J. Croce and the legacy of his father, Jim Croce.

Baby Animal Days

10 a.m.–3 p.m. — Rader Family Farms — Entry fee required — Celebrate summer with adorable baby animals and fun attractions for the whole family.

FREE Lunchtime Concerts

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Withers Park — Free entry — Enjoy quality musical entertainment during your lunch hour with various local acts performing weekly.