Good morning, Bloomington.

Bloomington City Mayor Dan Brady will challenge residents to volunteer during Labor Day weekend by helping local organizations such as Midwest Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity — he said every effort, big or small, will honor the value of hard work.

Claire's announced in a court filing that it will close its Bloomington, Mattoon, Forsyth and Moline stores — along with the Icing store in Champaign — as part of more than 290 planned closures following its Chapter 11 filing.

Closure dates are not provided.

The Children's Discovery Museum announced that Katie Keller will serve as its director of education starting Tuesday, Sept.

2. She will lead curriculum development, recruit educators and support programs for schools + draw on over 15 years of environmental education experience.

University High School’s 2025 Marching Pioneers has 65 student musicians—including drum majors, flutists, clarinet players, sax players and color guard members—who practiced on Aug.

26 at Hancock Stadium in Normal as they gear up for the season.

The University of Illinois Extension is offering a free educational series called Branching Out for McLean, Livingston and Woodford counties—three upcoming events are planned for the rest of the year.

The series will feature an entomology talk on Sept.22 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the McLean Extension Office, a bird walk on Oct.4 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at Parklands Merwin Preserve, and a climate seminar on Nov.11 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Bloomington Public Library—registration is required.

Connect Transit will not operate on Monday, Sept.

2 in observance of Labor Day — transit employees will join the local parade at 10 a.m. downtown and normal service will resume Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Illinois State University announced new tailgating rules that now end gatherings at kickoff today instead of 90 minutes after the game—this change is designed to help first responders as the football season begins with the Redbirds facing the Oklahoma Sooners.

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.

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.

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.

Leonid & Friends Tribute to Chicago

7-8:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $25.00+ — Experience an incredible tribute as Leonid & Friends captures the essence of Chicago's legendary sound.

Top of the World - A Tribute to the Carpenters

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartfelt sounds of the Carpenters tribute live in Bloomington.

Ballet 5:8 - La Llorona

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $17.00+ — Experience a poignant ballet that explores maternal pain and healing through stunning artistry.

Illinois District Barbershop Harmony Society Fall Convention

2:30 PM - 11:00 PM — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — Passes available for purchase — Enjoy a weekend filled with barbershop harmony and musical performances.

Oracle Sisters Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting sound of Oracle Sisters with their dreamy melodies and new album release.

A.J. Croce Presents CROCE PLAYS CROCE

7:30-9 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $38.00+ — Experience a musical odyssey with A.J. Croce as he performs timeless songs and stories from his father's legacy.