Daily
Bloomington
Thursday, October 16th, 2025
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Miller Park Zoo is continuing its sensory tours for guests through December—these tours help visitors experience exhibits in a new way. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Encounter Ministry at Illinois State University is adding a new building—designed to offer counseling, mental health support, and a coffee shop for students. The $3.7 million project is 72% funded and will complete construction by June with a planned fall opening. 25 News Now
- ➤ Western Avenue Community Center enters its 100th year with new leader Michell Cervantes, who joins from Mid Central Community Action and plans to expand services and deepen local partnerships—she aims to boost outreach for programs like recreation, education, and food assistance. WGLT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Award-winning comedian Jane Lynch, a former Redbird, will lead a holiday show titled 'A Swingin’ Little Christmas' on December 12 at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts; she will be joined by Kate Flannery, Tim Davis + the Tony Guerrero Quintet to blend comedy and music. WJBC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington Public School District 87 leaders plan to borrow $20 million in bonds to renovate the Willie G. and Gloria Brown Education Center and move the Sarah E. Raymond School of Early Education there—this project will nearly double the program's capacity. The renovation will also rework the district’s debt and is set to open in August. 25 News Now
- ➤ Illinois State University will host trick-or-treating and ghost stories on October 31 to celebrate Halloween+ the campus invites families and students to join the fun, with local organizers expecting strong community engagement+ this event is planned to boost campus spirit. The Pantagraph
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Trees are changing and leaves are falling, and experts say mulching them turns waste into free fertilizer—this method avoids fire risks from burning and helps protect local gardens. Residents can also compost the leaves or wait for the city’s pick-up on November 1 if they prefer another option. Central Illinois Proud
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ District 87 received $485,000 from July sales of McLean County facilities tax — Superintendent David Mouser said the funds will help ease property taxes. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Officials announced that leaf collection will begin on October 27 in Normal—service that may take multiple days—and will not be done weekly. The Pantagraph
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Strong Towns Blono has developed three proposals for reusing the site where Front N Center will be demolished by year’s end—each option offering different levels of investment from green spaces to hotels. The group will unveil these plans today at 5:30 p.m. at the Bloomington Public Library to help guide future public and private investment. WGLT
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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.
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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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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Battle of the Bands
6:30-8 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — Starts at $64 — Experience a thrilling competition of local music talent.
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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.
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Indy Fuel vs Bloomington Bison
7-8:30 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — Stream available — Catch the action as the Indy Fuel take on the Bloomington Bison in this exciting hockey match.
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.
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