Good morning, Bloomington.

At the McLean County Fair, 4-H exhibitors worked to keep cows, lambs, and horses cool by running large fans and hosing them down—actions that combated the heavy heat.

The fair began at 7 a.m. and will end on July 27 at 7 p.m.

A 48-year-old Pekin woman named Allison L.

Salinas is accused of asking a man from Dallas to kill her estranged husband over several months—she admitted discussing the plot with police on July 22 and now faces 20 to 40 years if convicted.

The City of Bloomington is upgrading roads, sidewalks and sewer systems to make travel safer for residents.

Sidewalk repairs in Meadowbrook are underway—phase 1 of Hamilton Road construction will finish this fall and a storm sewer fix on Maizefield Avenue is planned.

Rep. Darin LaHood and his colleagues introduced a bill to rename the Bloomington VA clinic after Andrew Jackson Smith—an escaped slave who earned the Medal of Honor for saving his regiment’s colors during a 1864 battle—ensuring his legacy is recognized in local honors.

Whitney’s Walk for Suicide Prevention and Awareness will return Saturday at Jubilee College State Park in Brimfield with a 5k walk and run hosted by Carle Health Center for Philanthropy in Greater Peoria; participants will gather at 6:45 a.m. and the run will start at 7:55 a.m. The event, which has raised over $1.8 million since 2004 to fund mental health and suicide prevention programs in central Illinois, will allow those unable to attend to register remotely — they may also donate in honor of someone affected by suicide.

Carle Health will open a new outpatient endoscopy department at Carle BroMenn Medical Center at the Normal campus at the end of July.

The department will offer endoscopy services for patients after its launch.

McLean County has opened a network of cooling centers — in buildings such as public libraries and fire departments — to help residents cope with dangerous extreme heat.

In Bloomington, centers at the Public Library, Denny’s and Walmart do not offer food or overnight shelter — residents should call 309-888-5030 for help.

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.

Bloomington Normal Medal Play Championship

Individual stroke play format — Saturday, Aug 2nd — Weibring Golf Club — Registration required — Compete in an 18-hole qualifying round to determine flight placements.

Ozark Mountain Daredevils Concert

7-9 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $39.00+ — Experience the eclectic sounds of country-rock legends merging whimsical lyrics and harmonious melodies.

Hill of a Race

8 AM – 12 PM — Ewing Park ll — $50 entry — Compete in a range of race categories including competitive and recreational waves.

3rd Sunday Market

8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. — McLean County Fairgrounds — $7 — Discover unique antiques and vintage treasures at this Bloomington tradition.

Illinois Deer & Beer Fest 2025

3-8 p.m. — McLean County Fairgrounds — Entry Fee Required — Celebrate deer hunting culture with craft beer and activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

2025 Cultural Fest - Vendor Sign Up

12-6:30 p.m. — Miller Park — Non-food vendor opportunities — Showcase your unique items at this vibrant cultural celebration.