Good morning, Bloomington.

McLean County Drug Court celebrated 20 years on Thursday afternoon at the Western Avenue Community Center, honoring 200 graduates who changed their lives through the program.

Judge Scott Kording said the event highlighted a team approach — designed to help clients break the cycle of incarceration and build lasting futures.

Late Tuesday night, a house on Old Peoria Court exploded in rural Bloomington, injuring eight family members, three critically, and East White Oak Bible Church has mobilized to help the Hoefer family with clothing donations + an insurance claim process.

ISU Horticulture Center created the Logarium, a garden built from fallen tree limbs from the Quad that now supports biodiversity + chainsaw carvings by local artist Mischa Morales.

The center will add more storm-damaged branches to the evolving garden to honor nature’s cycle.

Illinois Wesleyan University announced record enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year (the highest in a decade), reflecting growing student interest as fall registration continues.

Bloomington launched a new community solar initiative today that is expected to lower part of residents’ Ameren bill (promoting renewable energy efforts).

State and federal emergency management officials will assess storm damage across McLean County Monday through Thursday, with the county’s evaluation scheduled Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (the teams will collect details to decide if federal aid is needed).