Good morning, Bloomington.

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2025–2026 season, which will open on Oct.

11 at ISU’s Center for Performing Arts with Vince Lee conducting a Star Wars medley. The schedule will include a November concert with Blake Pouliot, holiday and chamber concerts such as a Jan. 17 performance in Bloomington, and a final event in April called Fabulous Finnish.

Stacker used Bureau of Labor Statistics data to rank management jobs in Bloomington based on May wages.

The report shows computer and information systems managers led with a median wage of $165,720—other positions like sales and financial managers also offer high salaries.

Illinois high school and community college students will earn automatic admission to nine state universities if they meet set GPA standards, as the Direct Admission Program begins in 2027-28 + state leaders say the move will help keep more students in Illinois and make applying to college simpler.

On Monday, the Bloomington City Council approved a new rule to regulate massage establishments and help stop human trafficking.

The rule removes double fees and extra personal information demands (such as dress code details) by setting a $100 fee that covers a background check (with no yearly fees).

Officials in Bloomington-Normal have set up cooling centers to help residents beat the summer heat + locations include the Bloomington Public Library at 205 East Olive Street, Connect Transit Bus Station at 200 West Front Street, and several sites in Normal such as Uptown Station at 11 Uptown Circle.

The second annual Ladies Night Out is set for Friday, June 27 from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Normal—offering local shopping, free appetizers, games, a dance party from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m., and prizes such as gift cards with goody bags for the first 150 arrivals.

Dog Days 5K

11 PM – 3 AM — 17485 E 2500 North Rd — Entry fee varies — Participate in a fun nighttime 5K event for dog lovers.

Illinois Chamber Music Festival

12:00 AM — Illinois Wesleyan University — Free entry — A delightful summer festival for young musicians featuring intensive training and public performances.

Gabby Barrett Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $36.00+ — Experience the rise of country music star Gabby Barrett live with her chart-topping hits.

Shut Up & Write!®

2-3:30 p.m. — Coffeehouse in Uptown Normal — Free entry — Focused writing session for all skill levels in a supportive environment.

Straight No Chaser: Summer 90s Tour

7-9 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $36.50+ — Enjoy the legendary a cappella group Straight No Chaser performing hits from the 90s.

Tractor Pulls

6:00-7:30 p.m. — McLean County Fairgrounds — Tickets start at $45 — Experience the thrill of Tractor Pulls in Bloomington, IL.