Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 23rd of September.
Good morning, Bloomington.
💼 Business
Truckers and experts gathered at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Uptown Normal for the annual Illinois Truckers Association Meeting and Expo, which began on Monday and will run through Wednesday.
Executive director Matthew Hart led sessions on topics like artificial intelligence and economic challenges—helping leaders network and learn new strategies.
🎓 Education
Heartland Community College criminal justice students will host an event on Oct.
2 at the Astroth Community Education Center auditorium to reexamine the 1991 murder case involving Jaime Snow and discuss the role of DNA evidence in wrongful convictions — the symposium is funded by LASS Innovative Grant funds.
Former State Farm CEO Ed Rust Jr. delivered the inaugural Kindred Brothers Speaker Series speech at Illinois Wesleyan University—he stressed that liberal arts skills like debate and clear communication are crucial for business success.
A longtime Bloomington-Normal resident, he said exploring beyond home helps leaders adapt to global trends, including shifts in insurance rates and vehicle technology.
🏛️ Government
Bloomington will see a new EV charging station built at Eric’s Too Family Restaurant and Lounge using $910,287 from an $18.4 million NEVI grant—which will fund 25 stations along the interstate.
State Rep. Sharon Chung said the funding will boost the EV industry and create good jobs in the area.
The city of Bloomington is closing several downtown streets as part of improvement work.
Main, McGregor, and Mulberry streets will be closed from Sept. 21 to Sept. 27 — drivers are urged to find alternate routes.
Bloomington City Council voted to add a 1% tax on groceries that will replace the state tax ending Jan.
1. The new tax will help keep funds for city services—ensuring local revenue continues.
The city council voted 7 to 2 Monday night to raise the number of video gaming licenses from 60 to 75 — letting 12 waiting businesses be considered and marking the first increase in six years.
City staff said the modest change supports economic development and may boost tax revenue even though two council members opposed the move.
Connect Transit is introducing a new bus route called mint on Oct.
5 to replace the limited red express service that ended on Oct. 3. The route runs seven days a week in a 30-minute loop from 6:35 a.m. until 9:05 p.m. (6:05 p.m. on Sundays) and stops at key locations such as Walmart, Greenbriar Drive, and Landmark Drive.
Bloomington city council voted 6—3 to keep a 1% grocery tax next year when the state tax ends on Jan.
1. City staff said the tax will raise about $3 million to cover deficits and fund needed projects, while several council members voiced concerns about the burden on working families.
🏥 Health
Dr. Neil Mehta of Carle Health said flu shots are essential each year as the virus changes and can hit people with respiratory illnesses hard.
Carle Health Convenient Care in Bloomington will offer walk-in flu shots all season long + a Peoria clinic will provide vaccines on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Oct. 8 to Nov. 26.
Starting next year, Illinois public libraries must stock naloxone and train staff per House Bill 1910 to help manage opioid overdoses.
Chestnut Health Systems will provide grant-funded kits and training while some community members debate if this is within the libraries’ traditional role.
To mark Child Passenger Safety Week, OSF Healthcare St. Joseph will hold a free drive-up car seat check event on Saturday, September 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its parking lot at 2200 W.
Washington St. in front of Eastland Pharmacy (Entrance C), where Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians from groups including the McLean County Health Department will guide parents on proper seat installation.
🏈 Sports
The Illinois State University Redbirds earned a 38-36 victory in double overtime over North Alabama Saturday at Hancock Stadium — the team improved to 3-1 and will face North Dakota State on Oct.
4 at 6 p.m. to open conference play.
🎉 Bloomington Events
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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.
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.
The Rocket Man Show
6-8 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $24.00+ — Experience an electrifying tribute to Elton John's greatest hits with Rus Anderson as your guide.
John Cleese: Not Dead Yet!
7:30-9 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $49.75+ — Celebrate 50 years of Monty Python with John Cleese in a night of absurdity and humor.
Napoleon Dynamite 20th Anniversary Celebration
7-8:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $24.00+ — Celebrate the beloved indie classic 'Napoleon Dynamite' with a screening and lively discussion featuring cast members.
Bommer with Special Guest XaeboR and Support from GramGreene
8 PM – 2 AM — The Atchison — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of exciting live music with Bommer, XaebyR, and local talent.
Adam Wainwright Event
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $19.00+ — Celebrate the baseball legend Adam Wainwright as he transitions into music with his debut record.
Iowa Heartlanders Opening Night
7-8:30 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — Free with ticket — Celebrate the season opener with a White Out party featuring pre-game festivities and giveaways.
🏠 Bloomington Real Estate
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