Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 25th of September.
Good morning, Bloomington.
🏘️ Community
The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department will start the Great Pumpkin Hunt contest on Friday, October 3 at 11:00 a.m.—community members will search local parks for hidden pumpkins and share a selfie on Facebook to enter.
New clues will be released weekly through October and three winners will be drawn on October 31 to win prize baskets.
The Children's Discovery Museum will host its annual Day of Play on Saturday, Sept.
27 in uptown Normal.
Rader Family Farms will host its fifth annual Make-A-Wish Kid Day from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept.
28, offering a special experience for local children.
🎓 Education
The Illinois State Board of Education is asking for feedback on the first draft of its Comprehensive Numeracy Plan—designed to improve math instruction after gathering input from 3,000 educators and community members.
Listening sessions will be held on Oct. 16 in Springfield and Nov. 5 in Urbana before the final plan is presented in June.
🏛️ Government
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a law that will ban PFAS in firefighter gear by 2027—fire officials say this change is meant to lower cancer risks while giving departments time to replace gear gradually.
Some industry leaders worry the deadline might favor larger companies, but the law includes a built-in grace period.
Today, the Illinois Department of Labor inspected Aura Haunted House in Bartonville to check that safety features like smoke detectors — a control room alarm system — and fire-retardant finishes meet required standards for spooky season.
Brian Fox said his team also verified proper exits, alarms, and color-coded door tape to ensure the attraction is safely permitted.
🎉 Bloomington Events
Submit an 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.
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
Submit a listing →
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
💼 Bloomington Job Board
Submit a job →
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
📣 Bloomington Announcements
Submit an announcement →
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Bloomington.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.