Good morning, Bloomington.

The West Bloomington Revitalization Project will host its 10th annual Bed Blitz on Oct.

17 to prepare beds and essential items for local youths—community volunteers are encouraged to join this local outreach effort.

Three school superintendents and the head of the Bloomington Career Academy spoke at the State of Education event on Friday at Heartland Community College, saying mandated courses crowd high school schedules and cause funding concerns.

They urged more flexible graduation plans that better support students (amid teacher shortages).

Bloomington-Normal now offers six permanent drop-off locations for leftover paint recycling through PaintCare (including sites at Sherwin-Williams and Habitat for Humanity) that let households and businesses dispose of hazardous paint without waiting for one-day events.

McLean County residents can drop off old electronics for free recycling at the Town of Normal Public Works facility at 1301 Warriner St. this Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Eligible items include computers, monitors, TVs, and cellphones, but appliances with Freon are not accepted.

Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger defended his $199 Kalshi bet during a Thursday event at Illinois State University, saying it was not illegal and that the federal probe was politically motivated (he made 25 bets over two months).

The Q&A event drew over 1,000 people.

Virginia Avenue's Camelback Bridge and Constitution Trail in Normal will close Monday, Oct.

5 for inspection and maintenance (reopening expected Tuesday afternoon, weather permitting).

Bloomington OB/GYN Care Associates physician assistant Lexi Farmer said McLean County women are planning pregnancy later as rising childcare costs and health concerns prompt early fertility talks — local doctors note this trend may affect future school enrollment.