Daily
Bloomington
Saturday, September 6th, 2025
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 6th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, the 9th annual Wine for Wishes fundraiser at Funk Farms in Shirley will raise $25,000 to support the McLean County Regional Council of Make-A-Wish — an organization celebrating 40 years of granting wishes to kids with chronic illnesses. The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. and features wine, beer, small bites, silent and live auctions — with live entertainment by singer Mike Johnson. WGLT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rivian Automotive is cutting about 1.5% of its global workforce as part of commercial team changes to prepare for production of its new R2 electric SUV at its Normal facility. Affected employees will be eligible for rehire and encouraged to apply for other roles—part of the plan to expand production ahead of the planned 2026 launch. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Rader Family Farms will be featured in the Small Business Spotlight rules on September 8th — the segment explains the criteria and guidelines that recognize the farm's achievements. The feature supports local business growth by highlighting practices that set a high standard for the community. WJBC
- ➤ Grove Street Bakery closed mid-July but reopened after new owner Lizzie Kalafut bought it to keep its legacy alive—she plans to add lower sugar and dairy-free treats and update the shop with new paint and a deep clean. A farewell and welcome party is held today from 10 to 11 a.m.—the event features Funfetti cake, cake squares, and $1 cookies. WJBC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington is a finalist for a three-year $120,000 grant that would expand its First Friday concert series from four to 10 free shows by removing the $5 entrance fee — community votes are open until Sept. 15. WGLT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Hoban, the head of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, is joining Team Illinois at the 55th annual U.S.-Japan conference in Tokyo — where he will meet other leaders to discuss trade and new projects. The event will give leaders a chance to explore ideas that could boost growth and build stronger business ties. The Pantagraph
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Normal Marching Band is getting ready for a monster-themed show called Monsters of Our Own Creation that uses music by Mackey, Eilish and Bach—adding cool props and split uniforms for its dual theme. The band of about 140 students from Normal Community and Normal West will perform eight times this season including homecoming games on Sept. 12 and Oct. 18 and will compete in contests later in the season. The Pantagraph
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ McLean County police said their ALPR camera data was not shared with federal immigration officers—Normal, Bloomington, and LeRoy confirm they only share records with approved state agencies. Flock Safety stated it stopped sharing data with federal immigration officials after earlier pilot tests raised concerns. WGLT
- ➤ Normal Township Supervisor Krystle Able draws two paychecks by serving as both a township official and the executive director of the Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans—earning $83,000 from the township while critics question if she can effectively manage full-time work in both roles. Community members have raised concerns and called for an open meeting on Sept 29 at the ARC Auditorium to review her office hours. WGLT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Today the Prairieland Punishers roller derby team is preparing for a double-header at the Interstate Center in Bloomington with a bout against Demolition City Roller Derby at 5 p.m. and a first-ever Open Gender Division bout with the Peoria Prowlers at 7 p.m.—the match is set to boost local attention. WGLT
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.
~ Mark Caine
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