Good morning, Bloomington.

Bloomington hosts the Out of the Darkness walk today with check-in at 10 a.m. and a start at 11 a.m. at Tipton Park’s north shelter—sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to help those in need and raise money for suicide awareness and treatment.

Normal announced road closures for the annual tree-lighting ceremony that will kick off Illinois State University's homecoming festivities.

Officials say the closures will help ensure safety for community members and visitors.

Cedar Ridge Elementary School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a colorful parade that featured students and families making flags and wearing cultural clothing—activities that highlighted the school’s diverse, multilingual community.

The school also provided food and organized photo opportunities to support the celebration.

Six ISU students serving in the National Guard were called to duty, and an administrator said the school does not have details of their assignments but will support their coursework when they return.

Illinois Wesleyan University is celebrating its 175th homecoming and family weekend in Bloomington+ the event will include planned activities for students, alumni and families.

McLean County Unit 5 submitted a new discipline plan as required by state law after racial disparities in suspensions were noted—state Rep. Regan Deering said discipline should focus on behavior—and not race—and warned that ignoring minor missteps could lead to bigger problems.

Normal West high school students serve as election judges through a League of Women Voters program that began with mock elections—about 50 students now work as judges in McLean County.

Speakers from Heartland Community College, Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan led a session at Bloomington Public Library to help students learn the voting process.

The McLean County Emergency Management Agency announced that the burn ban is extended through October 17th due to drought conditions and little chance of rain, so all residential and agricultural burning is prohibited.

Officials advise residents to clear dry brush and keep fire safety tools nearby—updates will be provided if the ban changes.

The McLean County Health Department is offering a free online suicide prevention program using the QPR technique for teachers, clergy and coaches who want to learn how to support someone in a crisis.

Amy Hopper said the course is designed to help community members start important conversations about suicide.

Nick Kemp at OSF Healthcare made a guard—designed to cover chest ports and let kids play safely—that seven-year-old Amaneigh Stevenson of Bloomington helped test while she was treated for cancer.

Kemp is now testing the guard in more clinics and holds a patent for the device.

Buildings in downtown Bloomington were torn down weeks ago at the corner of West Washington Street - North Madison Street, across from the old Pantagraph building, to create new parking spaces for residents and visitors.

Sidewalks around the area remain closed until construction is finished while roads stay open.

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.

Cincinnati Cyclones at Bloomington Bison

7-10 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — Tickets available from $28 — Catch the thrilling match as the Bison take on the Cyclones in this exciting hockey showdown.

WAR: Why Can't We Be Friends? Tour

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $42.00+ — Celebrate 50 years of timeless hits with the iconic soul/funk group WAR.

Battle of the Bands

6:30-8 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — Starts at $64 — Experience a thrilling competition of local music talent.

Dumpling 101 Cooking Class

5-7 p.m. — Green Top Grocery — $55.20 — Dive into hands-on dumpling making, perfect for food lovers of all skill levels.