Good morning, Bloomington.

Grade school students enjoyed outdoor activities at Camp Limberlost at Lake Bloomington this week.

The camp has been funded by the Kiwanis Club since 1930 (with 60 children attending) and offered swimming, fishing, archery, horseback riding and ziplining (all at no cost).

Home Sweet Home Ministries launched its Build The Bridge campaign to raise $750,000 for a project that will provide 48 private sleeping cabins and a central community building at 104 East Oakland Avenue for unsheltered neighbors.

Both the Bloomington and Normal City Councils approved the project — a nearly $1.5 million grant from McLean County and a $100,000 donation from Eastview Christian Church will help fund the effort.

Rivian cut over 100 salaried manufacturing jobs from its Normal plant (about 1% of its 14,861 employees) on June 27 to improve operational efficiency as it prepares to launch its new lower-cost R2 model in 2026.

A 19-year-old from Chicago was detained in McLean County for shooting a man in the back at Illinois State University in April and he faces charges including attempted first degree murder—he is scheduled for arraignment on July 18.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security reported that all 12 metro areas saw lower unemployment in May, with Bloomington’s rate at 3.1% and the statewide rate at 4.4% compared to the national rate of 4.2%.

Illinois State Police enforced 93 commercial motor vehicle violations over three days this week and Notre Dame College Prep in Niles displayed over 3,000 U.S. flags to honor fallen servicemembers ahead of Independence Day —a tradition begun in 2008—.

Ecology Action Center in Normal will restart its Grow Solar Initiative in McLean and DeWitt counties to offer residents group buy solar panel installations below market cost—this program aims to help homeowners lower energy bills and secure a 30% tax credit before the year ends.

Bloomington High School hosted what is thought to be the first international soccer match between FIFA clubs in the Twin Cities when Peoria City beat Atlas from Guadalajara, Mexico (6 to 1) on June 20.

U-23 players from college backgrounds competed in the friendly match as local fans cheered and played instruments to support the team.

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.

Tractor Pulls

6:00-7:30 p.m. — McLean County Fairgrounds — Tickets start at $45 — Experience the thrill of Tractor Pulls in Bloomington, IL.

MCIA 5K and 1K

6-10 p.m. — Tipton Park — Registration Required — Participate in exciting running events including adult and youth categories and a unique 2K race in Saree with Sneakers.

Bachman Turner Overdrive: Roll On Down The Highway Tour

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience the legendary sounds of Randy Bachman and Bachman-Turner Overdrive live on stage.