Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of October.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Zentech in Bloomington produces made-to-order circuit boards for farms and the armed forces using strict static control measures in its refurbished IRS warehouse facility—each board tested through precise automated and manual processes to meet high quality standards. WGLT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Art Vortex Studio in Bloomington is hosting an exhibition—Lele, the Muñeca Mexicana—featuring photographs by Yolanda Alonso that honor Hispanic heritage and the immigrant experience. The exhibit will open Friday, October 3 from 5–8 p.m. with live music at 6 p.m. and runs on select dates in November. 25 News Now
- ➤ The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA) was placed among Pollstar’s Top 200 Theaters Worldwide for ticket sales through the third quarter. Its 1,166-seat venue ranks just behind Detroit’s Fox Theatre and ahead of Rockford’s Coronado Performing Arts Center, showing strong local support. Cities 92.9
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Soybean industry workers and international buyers visited the Illinois Soybean Association offices in Bloomington on Tuesday to talk about the trade war between the United States and China that has hurt local farmers. Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello said high tariffs have already reduced sales—creating uncertainty for future trade plans. WGLT
- ➤ A consumer alert shows that electricity prices dropped by over 30% for Ameren Illinois customers, with new non-summer rates set to begin in October and run through May. The Citizen Utility Board advises customers to review their bills under the Electric Supply section to ensure they are not paying extra for alternative supplier offers. Central Illinois Proud
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Illinois State University leaders told the campus they will cover federal expenses for the next 30 days during the shutdown. They said research grants, cooperative agreements and TRIO programs may face delays+ federal services like FAFSA processing might slow. WGLT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Normal Township Supervisor Krystle Able told residents at the town hall at the Normal Activity and Recreation Center that township spending on general assistance exceeded revenue and that measures were taken to cut unnecessary spending—she also announced plans to step down from the McLean County Board as she moves closer to township offices. This move comes after months of addressing staffing changes, an audit, and a fully funded shade structure planned for the ARC exterior. WGLT
- ➤ Bloomington’s top elections official said three safeguards—one checking for out-of-state voting—helped catch a case of alleged voter fraud in the 2024 election. He explained that out of 37,786 ballots, a woman is accused of voting twice by using a mail-in vote in Wisconsin and an in-person vote in Bloomington. WGLT
- ➤ Illinois Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza urged residents to be cautious during Cybersecurity Awareness Month as scammers use AI to refine tactics like phishing, smishing and vishing. She advised checking sender details and not sharing personal information—this guidance is meant to protect sensitive data. Cities 92.9
- ➤ Archery deer hunting season started Wednesday and hunters in Bloomington must have a valid license and required safety certifications, with younger hunters needing certification. The season runs from Oct. 1 through Nov. 20, Nov. 24 through Dec. 3, and Dec. 8 through Jan. 18 — hunters are limited to two antlered deer and must tag each immediately after harvest. Central Illinois Proud
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ First tenants have moved into Carden Springs in north Normal where the first 14 units are ready and the second building will open mid-October—Fairlawn plans to complete about 60 to 70 units by the end of 2025 and finish all 477 units by 2027 with luxury amenities like washer dryer units and electric vehicle chargers. WGLT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ted Schmitz, the longtime ISU radio analyst and former assistant coach, will be honored on October 18 with the Campbell “Stretch” Miller Award as part of the Athletics Hall of Fame inductions. He attends Redbird practices daily—showing his deep commitment to the football team. WGLT
-
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.
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
You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Bloomington
Welcome to the Daily Bloomington, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Bloomington, Illinois community. If you like the Daily Bloomington, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Bloomington.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Bloomington and across Illinois. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Bloomington
A free Bloomington community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailybloomington.com/sitemap