Good morning, Bloomington.

The Central Illinois Athlete's Club has about 30 members who meet each summer for swim training at Miller Park Lake and for Sunday group runs at the Shirk Center — they also share strength workouts for a fee.

Club owner Lauri Meins said the club builds local community while helping members train for endurance races such as half Ironman events.

YWCA McLean County is launching an after-school program at Bloomington Junior High School for grades 6 through 8 in the 2025-26 school year.

The program runs from school dismissal until 5:30 and teaches social-emotional learning, career and skills exploration, financial literacy, and homework help with healthy snacks — registration is underway and scholarships are available for up to 30 students at $18 per day.

Illinois Wesleyan University set a new record as 16 Titans were named Academic All-Americans for the 2024-25 school year, breaking last year's record of 10 honorees.

The awards honor the student-athletes for excellence in both sports and studies—reflecting the program's commitment to strong academic and athletic performance.

The McLean County Regional Planning Commission will host two open houses in August to share draft updates to the Go:Safe McLean County action plan—one on Aug.

7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bloomington Public Library community room and a second on Aug. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the McLean County Highway Department at 102 S. Towanda Barnes Road—so the public can provide input before the plan is finalized in September.

Crews are repairing and improving roads on Prospect — General Electric in Bloomington this week as lane closures continue to affect traffic flow.

Sheriff Matt Lane said the McLean County Sheriff's Office will assign one detective to a regional task force pilot project that gives the officer statewide jurisdiction to investigate human trafficking cases with Illinois State Police and Decatur Police.

The officer will receive specialized training and equipment—ensuring the department is prepared to respond quickly to potential incidents.

Gov. Pritzker signed the Safe Gun Storage Act on Monday, which requires gun owners to lock up their firearms when minors or at-risk persons might access them and raises the minor age from 14 to 18 for safe storage.

Starting Jan. 1, a first violation will cost $1,000 and fines may reach $10,000 if a gun is used in a crime, and owners must report lost or stolen guns within 48 hours (using eTrace).

Bloomington-Normal health care providers are preparing for a projected $1 trillion federal Medicaid spending cut over the next decade that could leave 500,000 residents uninsured—Carle and OSF HealthCare said they remain committed to quality care as they gauge if staff layoffs, service cuts or changes in Medicaid rules will follow. State officials promise support even as providers wait to see whether Illinois can bridge the funding gap.

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.

Book Brunch Club

10-11 a.m. — Bloomington Public Library — Free — Start your day with coffee, snacks, and lively discussions about 'The Widows of Malabar Hill'.