Good morning, Bloomington.

Miller Park Zoo announced that Paul Bouseman was hired as its new director and will start on June 15 (he replaces interim director Norah Fletchall after Jay Pratte’s term ended last December).

Bloomington-based Country Financial announced that CEO Jim Jacobs will retire on June 30 after 21 years with the company — and the board has begun a search for his replacement to ensure operations remain uninterrupted.

Janet’s Cakes and Catering, a longtime Bloomington business open since 1989, is seeking a new owner while it continues normal operations and welcomes inquiries via its Facebook page.

WGLT has shared its summer picks for outdoor music across Bloomington and nearby areas with free shows at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts lawn and family-friendly concerts at local libraries, parks (and other venues), all set for the upcoming season.

Central Illinois farmers are just a few days behind planting corn due to dry, rainy, and hot spells this spring — Davis said his field between Atlanta and McLean is catching up with steady 80-degree weather, and growers hope for rain this weekend to boost crop growth.

Illinois lawmakers are sending education bills to the governor that would ban cellphones in classrooms, ease foreign language requirements, expand in-state tuition eligibility and reshape childcare oversight statewide.

ISU cadet Corey Urban was awarded the Silver ROTC Medal — a recognition for his leadership in the program.

The honor was given by the General Joseph Bartholomew Chapter, marking a proud moment at ISU.

Animal Crackers, an educational program for children (ages three to five), will hold sessions in the first week of June, July, and August at Miller Park Zoo where local visitors can meet wildlife.

The program encourages a love of nature.

Children and their parents took part in the Animal Crackers class at the local zoo, where they explored nature through hands-on activities and interactive learning.

Illinois lawmakers passed a bill last weekend that lets nearly 100,000 Uber & Lyft drivers unionize and requires rideshare companies to deposit 4 cents per ride into a support fund.

The law comes after drivers raised concerns about deactivation and challenging work conditions.

The Activity and Recreation Center in Normal received a $300,000 state grant to replace its leaky roof, install solar panels, update flooring, and add accessibility features (including taller toilets and handrails).

The Township Board will meet at the end of June to set a timeline for these improvements.

A downtown building on Front and Center Street was demolished last year and the cleared space has been converted into a surface parking lot.

The lot remains closed until a developer works with the city to plan further development amid downtown changes.

Revel In Red Concert

8 PM – 12 AM — The Castle Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the best of anthem rock from the 70s to today with special guests The Great Affairs.

Illinois Game Con 2026

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL — Admission fee varies — Explore vintage and new video games, compete in tournaments, and enjoy local artists at this vibrant gaming convention.

Route 66 Centennial Celebration

12-3 p.m. — One Normal Plaza — Free entry — Experience a nostalgic 1950s-themed event with family-friendly activities and classic vibes along the Mother Road.

Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show

7-11 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — Tickets required — Enjoy a captivating tribute performance to Fleetwood Mac with special guest INKTRAIL.

Cosplay on a Budget Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Bloomington Public Library — Registration required — Learn how to create budget-friendly costumes from thrift stores and more in this engaging workshop.