Good morning, Bloomington.

The Salvation Army of McLean County will host a block party titled —Live in Harmony— at 611 W.

Washington St. in Bloomington from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 6; free lunch will be served until 1:30 p.m. and the event will feature a bounce house, face painting, games, music, and booths from local groups.

The West Bloomington Revitalization Project has opened the application process for its ninth annual Bed Blitz program—125 bed kits with a mattress, frame, pillows, blankets, quilts, a teddy bear, laundry detergent, and books are available for children aged 5 to 18 in the area.

Applications are open until Sept. 15 and beds will be built on Oct. 11 to help local students get a good night's rest.

The Bloomington Center for Performing Arts is a finalist in the Levitt Foundation’s Music Series Grant and is asking the public to vote by texting BLOOM or visiting the website from Sept 5 to Sept 15 to help win up to $120,000 in matching funds for free concerts.

Arts director Anthony Nelson said every vote matters — even one vote can decide if Bloomington ranks among the top 50 finalists.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said his administration’s investment of over $2.8 billion has improved schools as he visited Wagoner Elementary School in Sauk Village last week — Illinois plans to spend $11.2 billion on K-12 education this year with records showing the highest graduation rate in 14 years. Meanwhile, challenger Ted Dabrowski argued that more money will not fix low literacy levels and urged a focus on early reading skills.

Local bird experts and residents say discarded fishing line and hooks at Miller Park Lake cause waterfowl to get entangled—leading to serious injuries and slow deaths.

City crews remove litter while local fishing clubs offer recycling containers, but experts stress that fishers must pick up their gear to protect wildlife.

Bloomington residents have noticed an increase in the water's taste and odor compounds from 4 to 5 nanograms per liter to 9 to 10, as low rainfall dropped Lake Bloomington's level—prompting the city to treat the water with powdered activated carbon and add supply from Evergreen Lake so that quality should improve within the week.

McLean County officials remind taxpayers that the second installment of real estate taxes is due Thursday and any payment not received or postmarked by Sept.

4 will incur a 1.5% interest penalty—taxpayers can pay online, by mail, in person or at local banks.

Carle Health is inviting patients and family members to join Patient and Family Advisory Councils at its hospitals—volunteers will meet quarterly, either virtually or in person, and must serve for 12 to 18 months to share feedback with Carle leaders.

This input will help improve care and services.

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.

Great Pumpkin Hunt WEEK 1

11 AM - 9 AM — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — Free entry — Participate in a fun pumpkin hunt with clues leading to decorated pumpkins across Bloomington Parks.