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Sunday, August 31st, 2025

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Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 31st of August.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Bloomington has been ranked the second most livable small city in the United States by SmartAsset, which used factors like strong employment, affordable housing and quality health coverage (the study reviewed 275 cities with populations between 65,000 and 100,000). Mayor Dan Brady and spokesperson Katherine Murphy say the ranking shows the community’s balanced economic opportunity and quality of life.  Central Illinois Proud
  • On Saturday morning, about 70 local residents gathered in front of the McLean County Museum of History to protest flyers that carried a swastika and falsely claimed support from Mayor Dan Brady. Later, about 200 people joined a counter protest at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts to send a clear message that hate is not welcome in the community — local officials and protest leaders condemned the flyers as disrespectful.  The Pantagraph
  • On August 28, Claire's announced it would close its Bloomington store along with other local locations as detailed in a court filing—while the recap noted that Bloomington’s annual Labor Day parade with the theme 'Union Rights are Civil Rights' will feature local unions, ISU’s Big Red Marching Machine and community groups on Monday.  The Pantagraph

CULTURE NEWS

  • The McLean County Museum of History is digitizing old Labor Day photos from the 1940s and 1950s—showing pony rides, picnics, and local celebrations that capture everyday traditions.  The Pantagraph
  • The Pantagraph printed shoe ads from the 1890s to the 1990s that show how shoe styles changed from high heels to sneakers—each ad shows shop names and dates like Sept. 8, 1891 and April 4, 1949. This timeline gives a look at how shoes were sold over many decades.  The Pantagraph

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Illinois State University announced new tailgating rules for the 2025 season that will take effect during upcoming events— the changes aim to improve safety and manage parking on campus.  Central Illinois Proud

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker appointed Robert Porter as public administrator and public guardian for Woodford County; he has held similar roles in McLean and Logan counties since December. His appointment is pending Senate confirmation — Porter also serves on local boards like the Bloomington Public Library Foundation.  The Pantagraph

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sat, 9/6/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 9/12/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Thu, 9/18/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 9/19/25

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  • 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.

    Sun, 9/21/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 9/26/25

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  • 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.

    Sat, 9/27/25

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  • 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.

    Sun, 9/28/25

    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.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The reason to win the game is so that you can be free of it.

~ Naval Ravikant

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