Good morning, Bloomington.

Ben Muncy, a Bloomington native and recent ISU graduate, received SIU Carbondale’s Paul Simon Democracy Award (a $5,000 prize) and will return to campus this fall to lead a nonpartisan voter registration drive for students.

The McLean County Executive Committee recommended a $1.3 million grant to help build a cabin village for homeless neighbors on East Oakland Avenue near Downtown Bloomington.

Home Sweet Home Ministries will cover half the cost with funds from a mental health and public safety sales tax while it plans to raise additional funds through donations and grants—the full board will vote on the proposal on Thursday.

The City of Bloomington council postponed a vote on higher fees for massage and adult-oriented businesses until June 23 to allow for stakeholder input and to fine-tune the proposal aimed at reducing human trafficking — meanwhile, the council approved a three-year, $1.46 million contract with Tyler Technologies to upgrade the public safety dispatch system for better cybersecurity and efficiency. This decision comes as part of broader efforts to improve municipal operations and public services.

Sally Rudolph, a longtime local government leader who served on the McLean County Board and the Zoning Board, was surprised when she was named a History Maker and will be honored at a gala on June 18 at the Bone Student Center—an honor for her five decades of civic service.

She said seeing government in action is the best way to learn about public service—an insight formed after joining the League of Women Voters in 1969.

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.

Color Splash Open Skate

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Bloomington Ice Center — Free entry — Skate in a vibrant atmosphere filled with music and colorful surprises.