Good morning, Bloomington.

Terri Ryburn—who restored Normal’s historic Sprague’s Super Service and welcomed Route 66 travelers—was honored as Citizen of the Year by town officials on Tuesday at the annual reception held in Normal.

Deeby’s Senior Chihuahua Rescue in Bloomington-Normal received a $5,000 incubator grant from the Grey Muzzle Organization in September to cover veterinary & dental costs for rescued small dogs.

Founded in honor of a beloved Chihuahua, the rescue has helped over a thousand dogs find homes since 2021.

Bloomington’s Gina LaMonica will show her steampunk upcycled art, including a popular steam pumpkin, at the 43rd annual Sugar Creek Arts Festival this weekend in Uptown Normal, where she nearly doubled art fair sales and earned a Best Newcomer award at Springfield’s Fair.

BCAI Cultural Arts & Humanities will host a free youth arts event featuring music, mentorship and hands-on workshops for youth (ages 8-16) on Oct.

10 at Bloomington's Creativity Center.

Local Head Start providers say a new federal proposal puts the program at risk by shifting control to states and changing teacher ratios.

Enrollment remains high but reduced administrative funds may impact services, and public comments are open until Oct. 6.

Bloomington leaders and Holladay Properties representatives broke ground Tuesday for Empire Flats at 1312 E.

Empire St (starting the $41 million project with 210 apartment units). Construction will continue at a pace of one concrete slab per week, aiming to complete by spring 2028.

Illinois State and Bradley now have an official rivalry series backed by Country Financial from Bloomington – the War on 74 will award a traveling trophy annually to the school that earns the most points through athletic contests and a community blood drive event where details will be announced.