Hi neighbors, the McLean County Recovery-Oriented System of Care is looking for small businesses or interested individuals to donate an item or gift card for prize baskets for their Paint the Town Purple initiative for National Recovery Month.

As a participating business, you would be recognized through be recognized through:
• McLean County ROSC social media platforms
• Their September 2026 ROSC Council meeting
• Their virtual resource app
• Monthly council email communications
• Prize award certificates

If interested, email out to their project team by August 7th: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

Where can I find the best authentic butter croissant in town? Looking for places that make traditional French-style croissants with real butter—flaky, crisp on the outside, and soft and airy inside. I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Does anyone have or know where i can acquire some milkweeds. Mine are dead and I have two Monarch caterpillars (Cedric & Fredrick) that im trying to keep alive. Dont let them die please help!

Would love to have recommendations for auto insurance! Would prefer to go with a broker over the big players. TIA!

... political consequences for any elected official coming out in favor of Data Centers at this point.

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/21/poll-data-centers-democrats-moratorium-01001799

Curious what everyone thinks about this move by the town council.

I think we need to support the homeless population, but I don’t really like the behavior that goes on. It’s a difficult situation.

WHERE: 404 Gregory St, Normal (between Main St and Normal Ave)

WHEN: This Friday and Saturday (7/24 & 7/25) from 8:00 – 3:00

Ya’ll, we’re tired. Mom moved out, we downsized, and we’ve packed up and schlepped a lot of stuff to charities around town already. Now we’re ready for others to come take the stuff away for us. But don’t worry, it’s good stuff (some never used).

• Housewares
• Kitchen ware
• Toys, dolls, games
• Women’s clothing
• Hardware, tools
• And much more…

No messages or early birds.

I see people posting stuff for sale or offering services here all the time. A couple of months ago I made a post offering car detailing services, and the admins removed it even though as far as I could tell it followed the group rules.
Even some weirdo popped up in the comments acting all smart in his mind.
I’m just curious why would my post get removed? Has this happened to anyone else or is it just me?

Please take proper precautions again today to protect yourself and your family. Local air monitors indicate a Air Quality Index (AQI) levels ranging from "unhealthy for sensitive groups" to "unhealthy for all populations.

Understand that it is very common to see variations in the AQI within the community - there can be localized differences and yet most of the air monitors indicate levels that suggest caution is needed.

Tips for protection against air pollution can be found at https://bncare.org/air-quality-safety/.

For real-time text alerts from the three local air monitors managed by Bloomington-Normal Community Air Research and Education (BNCARE), sign up at https://bncare.org/text-sign-up-instructions/.

If you are interested in learning more about the impacts of air pollution on health, check out some of the research at https://bncare.org/air-pollution-and-health/.

BNCARE is a project of the Ecology Action Center, Illinois State University, and other community partners.

Fractured Realms is a tabletop gaming social club based in Peoria, with members from all over Central IL. Our first fest is a celebration of the diversity of tabletop rpgs and miniatures games, with some Magic: The Gathering thrown in for good measure! All of the proceeds are being donated to Central IL Friends and badges are on sale now at https://tabletop.events/conventions/fractured-realms-fest-2026

This sign has been up for a while now. Anyone know when they may be opening? Off Raab next to DG and across from Steak n Shake.

I wanted to make a post offering my services for cat drop-ins while away on vacation or out of town. I have a Rover account but do not get many hits, I’m assuming because I only do cats. Maybe I should add small dogs to my portfolio to get more business🤷🏻‍♀️Anyways, just want more kitties is my life lol, so figured I’d post on here. Thanks!

Looking for people to play tennis with for fun! I don’t play tennis but want to get started and make new friends in the area. Also to stay more active instead of just running.
Where are the best tennis courts?

Bloomington-Normal is currently under an Air Quality Index alert of "very unhealthy" for all populations per the Bloomington-Normal Community Air Research and Education (BNCARE) air monitoring system as of the morning of Sunday, July 19, 2026.

If residents must go outdoors, please wear an N95 mask for respiratory protection; simple paper or cloth masks DO NOT provide protection against air pollution. Other helpful health information including how to protect your indoor air quality can be obtained from Your Local Epidemiologist regarding how to prepare for Air Pollution Action Days: https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/bad-air-bad-lettuce

To avoid worsening air quality further, limit driving whenever possible and avoid using gas-powered lawn equipment. If your air conditioner has a fresh air intake, switch it to the recirculate setting to reduce bringing in unhealthy outside air.

To receive alerts when AQI reaches unhealthy levels, residents should sign up for free Bloomington Normal Community Air Research and Education (BNCARE) text alerts at https://BNcare.org. This system uses real-time data from all three local BNCARE air monitors and will send you texts when local air quality reaches unhealthy levels. Note, this is a multi-step process to sign up for alerts - please follow the website instructions completely.

Changing wildfire seasons in Canada and the upper Midwest means air quality events like this may become more frequent in McLean County. It is important for residents, especially those with sensitive health issues, to be informed on what to during events like these, when to stay inside, and when it is safe to return outdoors. Any questions can be directed to members of the BNCARE team, contact information is available at BNcare.org.

Note, Illinois EPA monitors currently show Bloomington-Normal and nearby communities at the slightly lower but still unsafe "unhealthy" AQI alert level. Our BNCARE system historically has provided a faster and earlier alert than the IEPA system which apparently requires more verifications prior to establishing the alert.

Hey guys,

I wanted to shout out that we have a low-cost spay neuter clinic that operates through Pet Central Helps in Normal. They happen every Tuesday. They also do some vaccines and microchipping. If you've ever needed help with the cost of basic vet care, check them out.

Pet Central Helps

I was wondering where in town would be the best place to get your money's worth selling clothing? Example : Plato's Closet, Clothes Mentor, etc.

Anyone else catch it just now? I got too excited and didn’t take any pictures but it just rode past our house on the tracks near Project Oz. I am pleased lol

Due to her incompetence, the Mclean County Board has to loan $81K to the city of Hudson to cover the incorrect taxes that were billed. On top of that, Hudson citizens will have to make up the difference for next years tax bills so will have to budget accordingly. This lady needs to go, its one mess up after another for her.

Joshua Crockett, you need to hammer home all of these missteps by Kathy during the run up to the election. Be very vocal about how terrible she is at running this office.

https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2026-07-16/mclean-county-loans-hudson-81-000-to-cover-property-tax-error

Please watch the latest video by Tucker Carlson, "Whistleblower Reveals The Largest Mass Surveillance Operation In History", even if you don't care for him, about Flock cameras. They have gotten out of control here in Normal. They market it only as "license plate readers" yet, the system is a full blown servalance tool. They falsely promote it as a system for "safety". Yet, it has facial recognition, tracks where you are, where you are going, who you are with, even any bumper stickers on your vehicle. And, we the tax payers are paying for it.

The abuses and errors are on the record if you do any simply YouTube search. Also, check out deflock.me for more facts.

I feel that there's a story behind the home at the corner of Vale and Oakland and the woman who hand made signs for her yard. I've twice seen the police there talking to her while driving by the house. This morning, the police and a truck from F&W Landscape were across Oakland from the house when I was headed out. On my way back, 2 police cars, code enforcement, and the landscaper truck were there, but 2/3 of the yard had been cut down.

I guess you have to have grass in your lawn? I'm wondering if she has a story.