Daily
Bloomington
Monday, August 18th, 2025
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 18th of August.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Kristy and Clay Sieraski, owners of Once Upon A Child, are renovating the former Pier 1 Imports location at 1 Auto Row Drive to double their store space and improve on-site inventory management. They will also open a new resale shop—Play It Again Sports—at their old location run by their son Levi Smaling, offering both used and new sporting goods and planning a grand opening later this year. The Pantagraph
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Logan Redman donated six historic photos of the Great Bloomington Fire to the McLean County Museum of History, capturing downtown ruins and the destruction that reshaped the city (the images include views of the burned courthouse and other landmarks). The photos remind residents of the significant event that sparked major rebuilding efforts in Bloomington. The Pantagraph
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington will close the Market Street garage downtown — officials said they will expand other parking options in the area. The move is planned to ease traffic and help local visitors. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Illinois reopened its court-based rental assistance program on July 31—aimed to help renters manage overdue payments. Residents should contact local courts to learn if they qualify. The Pantagraph
- ➤ McLean County will hold information sessions to explain changes in the upcoming 2025 assessment year after mailed notices reach property owners next week. Residents can file a complaint within 30 days if they believe their assessment is inaccurate, and sessions are set for 6 p.m. on Aug. 28 in McLean, Sept. 4 in LeRoy, Sept. 8 in Lexington, and Sept. 16 in Normal. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Illinois will take over its health insurance marketplace in 2026 — shifting from Healthcare.gov to the new Get Covered Illinois exchange. Gov. Pritzker said the state-run system will have a simpler website, a call center, and extra navigators to help residents sign up, with open enrollment starting November 1. Cities 92.9
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Illinois Deer & Beer Fest 2025
3-8 p.m. — McLean County Fairgrounds — Entry Fee Required — Celebrate deer hunting culture with craft beer and activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
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2025 Cultural Fest - Vendor Sign Up
12-6:30 p.m. — Miller Park — Non-food vendor opportunities — Showcase your unique items at this vibrant cultural celebration.
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Book Brunch Club
10-11 a.m. — Bloomington Public Library — Free — Start your day with coffee, snacks, and lively discussions about 'The Widows of Malabar Hill'.
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Paint Nite at Chateau Hotel
5-7:30 p.m. — Chateau Hotel and Conference Center — Food and drinks available — Create your own masterpiece while sipping and laughing with friends.
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Prairieland Punishers Roller Derby Final Home Bout
4-8 p.m. — Interstate Center — $15 VIP, $10 General, $5 Children — Experience thrilling roller derby action as the Punishers face off against Demolition City in their final home game of the season.
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The Four C Notes Tribute Concert
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $29.00+ — Experience the Midwest’s only tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons with classic hits.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
To find yourself, think for yourself.
~ Socrates
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