41°CloudyHigh 46° · Low 30°
- 6 a.m.Cloudy.41°
- NoonClear.45°
- 6 p.m.Clear.40°
- MidnightClear.34°
↑ Sunrise 6:31 a.m.↓ Sunset 4:46 p.m.
See this week
- 6 a.m.Cloudy.41°
- NoonClear.45°
- 6 p.m.Clear.40°
- MidnightClear.34°
- TodayPartly cloudy. High 46° Low 30°
- SatPartly cloudy. High 51° Low 35°
- SunClear. High 62° Low 36°
- MonClear. High 64° Low 44°
- TueClear. High 65° Low 35°
↑ Sunrise 6:31 a.m.↓ Sunset 4:46 p.m.
See full forecastToday’s edition · Fri., Nov. 6
Normal West and Heyworth chase playoff history Friday
Plus, Normal's new zoning rules, an HCC grant and a library survey.
The Daily Bloomington team7 sources3 min read
Sponsored
Holiday
Unwrap 60+ gifts with us
Presented by The Buy
It's that time of year: The Buy team’s 2026 holiday gift guide is live. We're confident we've covered everyone on your list with this year's guide. Start your shopping early in 3... 2... 1...
Gifts for your significant other
Sherpa lined flannel | $39.99 | Flannel, cotton, and fleece combine in this ultra-soft, stylish button down.
Men’s smart posture joggers | $138 | Upgrade their everyday essential to a pair that delivers continuous lower back + lumbar spine support.
Bezel set stud earrings | $49.99 | They’re sure to swoon over these timeless 12K gold emerald-cut earrings.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 | $249 | Only the best for your sweetie —like “the world’s best in-ear active noise cancellation.”
Barefoot Dreams cardigan | $125 | They’ll never want to take off this top-rated cardigan made with the brand's famously soft yarn.
Gifts for retirees
Oh My Mahjong Amethyst mat | $90 | The perfect gift for the mahjong lover in your life, this unique mat “is a whimsical ode to twilight skies and shimmering gemstones.”
Garden kneeler and stool | $47.99 | Gardening’s more fun without the knee and back pain.
Mystery jigsaw puzzle | $45 | The perfect activity to take on with grandkids, this puzzle includes clues, surprises, and twists and is 100% artist drawn.
Gifts for a cozy winter
Tea bag organizer | $29.64 | This eight-box bamboo compartment with a clear lid will show off their coziest tea bag collection — bonus points if you fill it for them.
Carhartt beanie | $19.99 | Choose their favorite color of this best-selling hat that’s sure to become their winter go-to.
Softies waffle lounge set | $170 | Featured in “Oprah’s Favorite Things,” this set features the brand’s famously soft marshmallow waffle fabric.
Candle warmer lamp | $22.99 | This stylish warmer doubles as a chic accent piece.
Tabletop s’mores kit | $29.99 | Bring this classic campfire treat indoors with this kit complete with an electric flameless heater + everything you need to make the perfect s’more.
News Notes · More
Playoffs
If you're heading out tonight, Normal West and Heyworth host second-round IHSA football playoff games Friday, and both are seeking historic wins. The Wildcats face Pekin in Class 6A, while the unbeaten Hornets take on Fisher. The Pantagraph
Class 7A
Normal Community (10-0) meets Kenwood (7-3) in the Class 7A round of 16. The Ironmen beat Edwardsville by two touchdowns in the first round, the only time all season they were held under 40 points. Shaw Local
Normal Community is unbeaten and Kenwood has three losses
| Normal Community | Measure | Kenwood |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Wins | 7 |
| 0 | Losses | 3 |
Source: Shaw Local
Zoning
Mayor Chris Koos said he expects Normal to have new zoning rules in place by the end of the year to help address the housing shortage. One proposal would allow accessory dwelling units, known as granny flats, and he's heard "a lot of chatter" about them but no active demand. WGLT
HCC grant
Heartland Community College received a nearly $100,000 grant from the Illinois Community College Board to expand its mental health services. At least 22 community colleges statewide are receiving up to $100,000 each. Central Illinois Proud
Library plan
If you use Normal Public Library, it's starting a strategic planning process that will map out 2027 through 2032. Community members can weigh in through focus groups, a survey and community discussions. WEEK 25 News Now
Home
Two cute home finds: This elegant, patterned entry rug that’s under $19 and comes in three charming patterns to match your decor, and this double picture frame for $9.99 that’s perfect for displaying family memories on your mantle. Advertising from Amazon.
The Buy
Product find alert: You’ve never used a steamer like this vacuum clothes steamer, which heats up in 30 seconds and offers powerful, even steaming and vacuum suction to remove dust and wrinkles. Use it on clothes like this women’s batwing sweater for a crisp, polished fall look. Advertising from Amazon.
Finance
With Groundfloor, you could earn $2,850 on a $30,000 investment in 12 months — nearly five times the national average CD rate. There are zero fees, so what you see is that you earn. Learn more and get started. Advertising from Groundfloor Finance.
Content marked with an * is advertising.
Asked
Tap an answer to see how Bloomington answered.
Asked
Will you catch a high school playoff game this weekend?
Be the first to answer.
Sponsored
Pets
Emergency vet visits surge around the holidays according to Google Trends
Presented by Nibbles
With toxic holiday foods and new shiny decor like tinsel and lights, it's no wonder that our pets get into trouble around the holidays. Protect your pet & your wallet with the no annual fee Nibbles pet rewards card. Nibbles has pet insurance included, hassle-free claims, and 3x rewards on pet & vet.
Nibbles is not a bank. The Nibbles Card is issued by Lead Bank. Other fees and T&Cs apply. Rewards & pet insurance offered by Nibbles, not Lead Bank. Base pet insurance policy paid for one eligible pet by Nibbles. See nibbles.com for details.
Housing
“We've looked at other communities that have had ADU ordinances in place and frankly there hasn't been much activity”
Mayor Chris Koos, on WGLT's Sound Ideas
Asked
Tap an answer to see how Bloomington answered.
Asked
What's on your Bloomington-Normal weekend list?
Be the first to answer.
Today’s puzzles
A new puzzle in each one every morning, played right here.
All 13 gamesQuoted
Writers live twice.
Things to Do
Things to Do
Bloomington, IL
Friday, Nov. 6
Jobs
Jobs
- Principal Product Managerat Compeer Financial$118,500-$180,000
- Warehouse Coordinatorat Express Employment - Springfield, IL$45,000
- Receptionist — State Farm Agent Team Memberat Rick McLean - State Farm Agent$42,000-$45,000
- Restaurant Team Memberat Chicken Salad Chick$13.50-$15 an hour
Do you know just the role for our readers? Post it on our Jobs board.
The Buy
Around the Block
Around the Block
Powered by Nextdoor
Lost and foundUPDATE: family has been found!
“🥳🥳🥳 Anyone missing this cat?”
25 likes · 6 comments
The Wrap
Autumn isn't done with Normal yet. Village Festi-Fall at Normandy Village is a free, all-ages afternoon of pumpkin fun on Sunday, Nov. 8. Co-owner Julie Hile says, "The weather may be cooling, but we're not finished with autumn yet." Sunday's forecast is clear and 62 degrees. Pumpkins, rejoice.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Normal weighs housing code changes; Heartland lands $99,778 grant
The Daily Bloomington teamBloomington’s daily newsletter
How did we do today, Bloomington?
Tap a face. It takes under a minute.
Not for meLoved it
That’s your morning, Bloomington.
Send it to someone in Bloomington who’d want it.
Every source in this edition7 links · 7 outlets
- The Weather Channelweather.com
- The Pantagraphpantagraph.com
- Shaw Localshawlocal.com
- WGLTwglt.org
- Central Illinois Proudcentralillinoisproud.com
- WEEK 25 News Now25newsnow.com
- Bloomington events calendardailybloomington.com
Free every morning
Get Daily Bloomington in your inbox.
The news, the things to do, the jobs and the weather of Bloomington, in five minutes, every morning by 8 a.m.
Free forever · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
Normal West and Heyworth chase playoff history Friday
Plus, Normal's new zoning rules, an HCC grant and a library survey.
The TLDR
- Normal West and Heyworth host IHSA playoff games Friday
- Normal Community (10-0) meets Kenwood in the 7A round of 16
- Mayor Koos expects new zoning rules by year's end
More stories this week
From Daily Bloomington’s other editions
Around Bloomington
From www.cities929.com, Central Illinois Proud and WEEK 25 News Now, gathered by 6AM News, 6AM City’s local news service.
www.cities929.com4 hours ago
Public Workshops Planned for McLean County Regional Comprehensive Plan, on www.cities929.comThe McLean County Regional Planning Commission is inviting residents to participate in the next round of public workshops for its Regional Comprehensive Plan 2045. The plan will help guide the county’s growth and development over the next 20 years. While the first round of public input focused on establishing a community vision, the upcoming workshops
www.cities929.com4 hours ago
Three Bloomington-Normal Areas Approved for Federal Opportunity Zones, on www.cities929.comThree Bloomington-Normal areas — Downtown Bloomington, Uptown Normal, and Northwest Normal — have been approved for federal Opportunity Zone designations beginning in January 2027. The U.S. Department of the Treasury approved the three census tracts as part of 240 Illinois locations announced November 5 by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and
Central Illinois Proud7 hours ago
Prep Sports recap for Nov. 5, 2026, on Central Illinois ProudPEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — Plenty of playoff action in prep sports across Central Illinois with the girls volleyball Sectional Finals taking place. Washington advanced to Super Sectionals after defeating Joliet Catholic in straight sets. Illini Bluffs won a showdown against Tremont in straight sets with Illinois State commit Emerson Eeten and Add Woertz leading the
WEEK 25 News Now9 hours ago
Speaker Welch resigns leadership role, on WEEK 25 News NowIllinois House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch is resigning as Speaker of the House
Central Illinois Proud13 hours ago
New grant funding to expand mental health services at HCC, on Central Illinois ProudHeartland Community College is expanding its mental health services using a nearly $100,000 grant from the Illinois Community College Board to reach diverse student groups including parents, military-connected students, and rural residents.
Central Illinois Proud13 hours ago
Former Chiddix teacher to appear in court later this month on grooming charges, on Central Illinois ProudA hearing for former Chiddix teacher Brandon Knapp, who faces two counts of grooming, was continued, with his next court appearance scheduled for November 20th.