Not in Our Town to pray in solidarity with Islamic Center
BLOOMINGTON — Friday offers a chance for central Illinois’ Muslim community to pray in solidarity, in honor of the five people killed Monday in a shooting at a San Diego Islamic Center. Not in Our Town Bloomington-Normal and the Islamic Center of McLean County (ICMC) are coordinating the 1 p.m. gathering. You’re invited to attend with modest dress to recite the Jumuah, or the prayer recited each Friday by Muslims, who consider Friday the holiest day of the week. Monday’s shooting claimed a security guard, two worshippers, and the two gunman, thought to have taken their own lives. The gathering takes place at the Islamic Center of McLean County, 421 Olympia Dr.
Normal slows data centers, Bloomington probably will
Both Bloomington and Normal spoke out against data centers on Monday, reports WGLT. The Normal Town Council voted unanimously to place a six-month moratorium on the construction of data centers, while Bloomington City Council members each expressed at a non-voting meeting that they also support a six-month moratorium. Normal City Manager Pam Reece said the moratorium would give time for her office to talk with the public and the planning commission and generate recommendations. Bloomington council members will receive recommendations for a moratorium at their May 26 meeting. Neither city is currently facing a data center proposal; Illinois overall is the state with the fourth-highest concentration of data centers, and Gov JB Pritzker, an early proponent of data centers, said earlier this week he also supports slowing down data center construction statewide.
Macomb Pride calls for spoken word performers
MACOMB — If you’re a poet, comedian or storyteller, Macomb Pride wants to hear from you. The nonprofit is seeking spoken word presenters, storytellers and even jokesters for its June 6 Pride Picnic. To sign up, email hello@macombpride.com, You can also reach out if you’re interested in being a vendor at the picnic, which is co-presented by the City of Macomb and Macomb Pride. The nonprofit is also asking the community to bring used books for donation. The Pride Picnic is noon to 6 p.m. at Glenwood Park, 1406 N Randolph St.
