Good morning, Bloomington.

The Town of Normal Parks & Recreation Department will host Pack the Park at One Normal Plaza from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday and close Pine Street along Route 66 for Stride and Ride; drivers should use Shelbourne or Willow Street while parking is available at local facilities.

Pop-Up Chicken Shop owner responded after six employees were fired for calling off on July 4 amid a holiday pay dispute that sparked online backlash.

He said the employee handbook error was corrected before the holiday and apologized for not addressing concerns sooner.

Pleasant Plains-based Bayleaf + Butterscotch will open a bakery and coffee shop in downtown Bloomington that offers coffee, pastries and a colorful vibe.

A new sensory room is under construction at Hammitt School today to help students learn self-regulation with interactive equipment — like swings and climbing structures — funded by donations from Susan Hoblit and Larry Collins.

Connect Transit Partners and Heartland Community College are working to improve student transportation service for college students in Bloomington.

The project is expected to enhance campus accessibility (further scheduling details to be released soon).

Illinois State University named 14 students as Robert G.

Bone Scholars for the 2026-27 school year, honoring academic & leadership achievements at the university.

Bloomington Police explained at a Tuesday public forum that the department’s drones — tracked on its website — are used for training and emergency response and not for random surveillance.

The police stressed that strict state laws and pilot training guide each flight.

Dr. Colleen Blackburn of OSF St. Joseph Medical Center is leading the renamed Central Illinois Heart Ball fundraiser to expand heart health education into Bloomington—efforts that will support prevention and research.

The event is scheduled for Oct. 2 at Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino.

Three Bloomington-Normal athletes competed at the Special Olympics USA Games as Team Illinois returned home, ranking sixth overall with 54 medals.

Their success highlights local talent in sports.

Armored MMA, a blend of medieval and modern fighting, will take place at Grossinger Motors Arena on Aug.

15. Gina Volk, the Bloomington Arts & Entertainment spokesperson, said fully armored athletes will fight in a mixed martial arts cage with striking, grappling, and takedowns.

Rend Collective Concert

7 p.m. — Bloomington Center For The Performing Arts — Ticket pricing varies — Experience an uplifting night of music with Rend Collective.

Micro Spice Duo - Summer Tunes

7-10 p.m. — CRAFTED Coffee & Wine — Free entry — Enjoy soothing acoustic tunes from Micro Spice this summer Friday night.

StoryWalk® at the Glorious Garden Festival

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. — David Davis Mansion — Free entry — Stroll through Sarah's Garden while reading a delightful children's story.

Henry Cho Comedy Show

7-10 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of laughter with comedian Henry Cho at a premier venue.

Roger Clyne And The Peacemakers Concert

7 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of live music with Roger Clyne And The Peacemakers in a vibrant setting.

Watchhouse Concert

7 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — Ticket availability varies — Enjoy a night of captivating music from Watchhouse in a historic venue.

McLean County Fair

Jul 29 – Aug 1 — McLean County Fairgrounds — $10 entry — Enjoy five days of fun with exhibits, games, and entertainment in Bloomington's cherished tradition.

Taylor Bruninga and Feudin Hillbillys

6:30-10:30 p.m. — McLean County Fairgrounds — Tickets from $52 — Experience the unforgettable performances of Feudin' Hillbillys live in Bloomington.

Demolition Derby

6:00 – 9:30 PM — McLean County Fairgrounds — Tickets start at $71 — Experience the thrilling chaos of cars colliding in this unforgettable live event.