Good morning, Bloomington.

The Jaycees of Bloomington are hosting the final Bruegala beer fest on Oct.

4 in downtown Bloomington—co-chairs Ariel Ameday and Taylor Kern said the event will feature over 50 vendors, live music, children’s activities and food trucks. The festival, which has raised $275,000 over 25 years, will benefit PATH and Prairie State Legal Services.

Symbio Bioculinary, a biotech startup led by college senior Elliot Notrica, is upcycling food waste from local and regional businesses by using engineered organisms to turn excess ingredients into edible additives (such as sugar syrup that extends bread shelf life).

The company operates from a south Bloomington warehouse near a motorcycle repair shop and a martial arts school and is expanding its team with new hires in chemistry and biology.

McLean County Museum of History will host an illustrated program on renowned architect A.

Richard Williams presented by the Old House Society — the talk will offer insight into his influential design work.

Gina Perez, a professor at Oberlin College, spoke at ISU’s Latinx Heritage Month Celebration in Normal this week and said the word sanctuary means more than a political term for immigration.

She explained that people have long used sanctuary to care for one another—coming together in meetings and prayer vigils to support each other.

At an Illinois grain tour in Bloomington, the director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture warned that tariffs from a trade war with China are pushing soybean farmers toward bankruptcy as no U.S. soybeans have been purchased this year—farmers also face increased costs on farm machinery and pesticides.

Starting Saturday, Oct.

4, McLean County residents can use a new self-service electronics recycling drop-off at the Normal Public Works facility at 1301 Wearriner Street from 8 a.m. to noon each first Saturday—Waste Removal Supervisor Danny Edwards said many electronics such as computers, monitors, televisions, and cell phones will be accepted while items with Freon will not be. This drop-off adds to the regular Monday through Friday recycling hours.

Lincoln Junior High School will host a scenario-based first-responder training program from 9 a.m.—1:30 p.m. on Oct.

10 to prepare teams for real emergencies.

The League of Women Voters of McLean County will host a panel on youth civic engagement at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct.

9 at the Bloomington Public Library—this event is part of its annual fall community program aimed at boosting youth participation.

Lt. Gov. Stratton released her policy platform this week and said she will bring Gov. Pritzker’s legislative wins to the U.S. Senate if elected next year.

Her 29-point plan covers health care, wages, housing, and tax changes—aiming to make life more affordable for Americans.

Lawmakers met with Steven Marifjeren of Windy City Wieners in Bloomington to discuss how high utility bills—including a $2,000 bill in one month—are hurting the business, while U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Rep. Sharon Chung, and Mayor Chris Koos raised concerns about nonrenewable energy policies and grid issues that are driving up costs. They noted that declining supply from retiring power plants and rising demand are worsening the crisis and called for state solutions such as modular nuclear reactors and energy storage.

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.

Oktoberfest Rotary Run

2-5 p.m. — Union Park — Fundraiser event — Participate in a festive 5K run and 1-mile walk to support local youth services.

Toledo Walleye at Bloomington Bison

7-8:30 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — $3 Busch Light cans and $0 popcorn — Experience an exciting night of hockey and local fraternity competition at our first 309 Night!

Masters of Illusion

7:30-9 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $33+ — Experience world-class magicians performing astounding illusions and comedic magic live on stage.

Kalamazoo Wings at Bloomington Bison

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — $3 Busch Light and $0 popcorn — Celebrate 309 Night with costume contests and great food deals at a thrilling hockey game.