Good morning, Bloomington.

Shriners Hospitals for Children celebrated over 50 years with a Hospital Experience event on Friday at Illinois Wesleyan’s Shirk Center in Bloomington where 91 high school athletes and six patient ambassadors took part in activities that show the challenges of living with impairments—this event kicked off the 51st Illinois Shrine Game weekend. The game will be held today at Tucci Stadium at 11 a.m. and is expected to raise $20,000 to $30,000 for the hospitals.

Miller Park Zoo has welcomed Taco—a new sloth that zoo director Jay Pratte said will catch visitors’ attention with her unique traits.

Her introduction adds to the zoo’s growing exhibit lineup.

The Abundant Thrift store in downtown Bloomington will temporarily close its 503 N.

East St. location on Saturday, June 28th as it searches for a new site downtown—store reopening once a new spot is confirmed.

The Consumer Energy Alliance warned that a proposed natural gas ban for new buildings in Illinois could cost the average homeowner tens of thousands—forced electrification might cost $55,000 for a single-family home and raise utility bills by about $2,631 per household statewide.

The report also said that expanding the ban to manufacturing and agriculture could worsen grid reliability as energy demand rises and supply falls.

Connect Transit is providing a cooling bus in Bloomington today and will run the service tomorrow due to forecast extreme heat.

Residents can use the bus to stay cool during the hot weekend.

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.

Dog Days 5K

11 PM – 3 AM — 17485 E 2500 North Rd — Entry fee varies — Participate in a fun nighttime 5K event for dog lovers.

Illinois Chamber Music Festival

12:00 AM — Illinois Wesleyan University — Free entry — A delightful summer festival for young musicians featuring intensive training and public performances.

Gabby Barrett Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $36.00+ — Experience the rise of country music star Gabby Barrett live with her chart-topping hits.

Shut Up & Write!®

2-3:30 p.m. — Coffeehouse in Uptown Normal — Free entry — Focused writing session for all skill levels in a supportive environment.

Straight No Chaser: Summer 90s Tour

7-9 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $36.50+ — Enjoy the legendary a cappella group Straight No Chaser performing hits from the 90s.