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Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026

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Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 3rd of February.

ACCIDENTS NEWS

  • Cooksville’s Longbranch Again bar was nearly lost after a large fire damaged the building Saturday — the Cooksville Fire Department said no injuries occurred as multiple nearby departments responded.  WGLT

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Unit 5's teacher union opposes the board's decision to reject Kathryn Monti's resignation from Parkside Elementary because she left for a different teaching job last month. Julie Hagler said the move hurts efforts to fill a special education teacher shortage + affects students and staff.  WGLT
  • A report from the Bloomington Normal Economic Development Council and the YWCA of McLean County shows that rising childcare costs are straining family budgets and workforces as families cut work hours and limit growth. They propose new public + private investments and policy changes to boost provider staffing and affordability.  WGLT

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • Recent snowfall has not eased a record drought in the area, as state climatologist Trent Ford said that from last August to January only 7.1 inches of rain fell, making it the driest period on record and prompting the city of Bloomington to urge water conservation until lake levels improve.  WGLT

HEALTH NEWS

  • Chestnut Health Systems and the Lighthouse Institute are recruiting 48 families for a new study that tests alternative recovery support for young adults and caregivers. Interested families will fill out a survey to see if they qualify for six months of free, confidential help.  WGLT

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • CJ Chenier and The Red Hot Louisiana Band

    8-11 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the vibrant sounds of Louisiana with CJ Chenier and his dynamic band.

    Sat, 2/14/26

    View event
  • Aaron Lewis and The Stateliners: 2026 American Tour

    7:30-9:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $53.00+ — Experience Aaron Lewis's raw country sound combined with powerful storytelling and special guest Kenny Whitmire.

    Thu, 2/19/26

    View event
  • Bloomington Bison vs. Maine Mariners - College Night

    7-9 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — $3 Busch Light cans and $0 popcorn — Celebrate local universities at 309 Night with in-game activities and special food deals.

    Fri, 2/20/26

    View event
  • Bloomington Bison vs. Maine Mariners - Country Night

    6-9 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — Ticket prices vary — Put on your cowboy boots and enjoy a thrilling hockey game followed by a free concert.

    Sat, 2/21/26

    View event
  • Bison vs. Mariners: Abe's Birthday Celebration

    4-6 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — Ticket info available — Celebrate Abe's birthday with free meals for kids and a post-game skate.

    Sun, 2/22/26

    View event
  • It's A 2000s Party: Bloomington

    8-10 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Relive the 2000s with iconic music and fashion in a nostalgic party atmosphere.

    Fri, 2/27/26

    View event
  • Here Come The Mummies Concert

    7-9 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $41.00+ — Get ready to groove with this eight-piece funk-rock band of 5000 year-old Egyptian Mummies bringing their 'Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave'.

    Sun, 3/1/26

    View event
  • Wizard of Oz On Ice

    7-10 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $24.00+ — Experience the beloved classic reimagined with breathtaking ice performances and stunning choreography.

    Thu, 3/5/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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