Daily
Bloomington
Wednesday, October 8th, 2025
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 8th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Scott Hamilton, a figure skating gold medalist, will share his story at the Red Cross’ Evening of Stars event on Nov. 12 at Illinois State University’s Brown Ballroom in Normal—he will speak about overcoming medical setbacks to encourage help for families supported by the Red Cross. Central Illinois Proud
- ➤ Dozens of residents, activists, and local politicians met on Tuesday at the Bloomington Public Library—organized by Lift the Ban McLean County—to discuss soaring rents and strategies to reduce them. The Pantagraph
- ➤ 93 Vietnam-era veterans from Illinois will board a flight on October 21 to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials including Arlington National Cemetery—this fully funded trip marks the final flight of the year by the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight. Central Illinois Proud
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said that the company’s new R2 model (to be made in Normal) will be key to its future profitability. The Pantagraph
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ After decades of silence, the Van Leer Memorial Bell Tower on Broadview Mansion property in Normal rang its bells Tuesday—resuming music twice daily from an electronic carillon donated by the Town of Normal. The event featured live music from the Twin Cities Brass Quintet and speeches honoring IBF board member David Strand. WGLT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Heartland Community College will host an open house on October 15 for prospective students planning to pursue careers in health sciences — the event will offer key information on available programs. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Central Catholic High School crowned Vaughn Oakey as homecoming king and Emme Hurie as homecoming queen — the school recognized both during its homecoming ceremony. The Pantagraph
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ At Tuesday night's McLean County Zoning meeting, officials considered a text amendment to allow chicken coops to be placed 30 feet from property lines instead of 150 feet in residential areas—Phil Dick said the change could let more residents keep chickens while still requiring permits and maintenance. Central Illinois Proud
- ➤ After a council vote on Monday night, Normal Police Department will upgrade its technology with an $8 million, 10-year agreement with Axon to replace its hardware server with a cloud-based system—improving body cameras, in-car cameras, interview rooms and digital evidence management. The department will pay fixed amounts of about $667,000 per year for two years, which will then rise to $836,000 per year for the remaining eight years. 25 News Now
- ➤ The repavement of I-55 and I-74 ramp exits in Normal finished this morning, reopening all four ramps for easier travel. IDOT crews will start repaving a quarter-mile section of I-74 and upgrading weight stations later this week + work is expected to finish by Thanksgiving week, weather permitting. Central Illinois Proud
- ➤ Montez Soliz, a 24-year-old Rockford man, has announced his candidacy against incumbent Eric Sorensen for the Illinois 17th Congressional District that covers Bloomington (and Normal), challenging Sorensen’s record and promising to tackle issues like affordable housing and climate change. The primary election is set for March 17 and Soliz has built online support as he prepares for a competitive race. Central Illinois Proud
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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