Good morning, Bloomington.

Pub Club Rotary assembled Thanksgiving meal baskets for Boys & Girls Club families to offer support ahead of the holiday—volunteers packed essential food items for those in need.

The NAACP Youth Council and community partners will host a Thanksgiving food giveaway on Wednesday, Nov.

26 from 3-5:30 p.m. at Western Avenue Community Center; people in need must register by calling 309-531-8303 before 12 p.m. Saturday to choose either a crockpot and cookbook — or a haul of groceries.

Dave Glacinski from Lexington was named one of 2025 outstanding volunteers by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources after years of weekly work at Starved Rock State Park.

He loves working at the visitor center and on trails and often takes his family (including his granddaughters) along to help keep the park in good shape.

Illinois public universities reached their highest enrollment in 10 years with nearly 190,000 students for Fall 2025, including a 2.1% rise at Illinois State University.

Deputy Governor Martin Torres credited recent state investments in higher education funding—an effort that coincided with stronger enrollment at several schools despite declines at others from fewer international students.

The Bloomington Police Department finished its six-week Community Police Academy with local leaders and community members.

Chief Jamal Simington said (in an official statement) the program was designed to help residents learn about law enforcement practices.

This Thanksgiving, Normal Police Department partners with Illinois State Police and local agencies to enforce holiday travel safety by checking for seat belt use, speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving including cannabis use—an effort that started Nov.

21 and will continue until Dec. 2. The campaign is funded by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Connect Transit was awarded a $5M grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation for its two vehicle programs focused on clean transportation—this funding will boost its efforts to expand environmental initiatives.

A community group in Bloomington-Normal led by recovery specialist Cat Hays for the McLean County Recovery Oriented System of Care is asking residents to complete a 17-question survey online by Nov 30 to help identify gaps in mental health and substance abuse services—its goal is to reduce stigma and save lives. The survey aims to double last year’s 220 responses as part of ongoing efforts to improve community recovery outcomes.

McLean County’s Behavioral Health Coordinating Council has released a three-year Behavioral Health Action Plan that sets goals to reduce recidivism and modernize shared record-keeping systems—this plan also pilots a problem-solving court for emerging adults and outlines funding linked to shared sales tax agreements. The 10-page plan uses clear, smart goals to improve mental health services and criminal justice coordination through 2028.

University High School held a ceremony Friday celebrating its volleyball team's state championship win — the Pioneers beat Nazareth Academy today at CEFCU Arena — which marks the school’s first title in 25 years.

Sevendust Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — $43 — Experience Sevendust's heavy grooves and soulful vocals on their Southside Double-Wide Tour.

City of Bloomington Turkey Trot

9-11 AM — Miller Park — Free registration — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a community fun run and support a local food drive.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

2-3:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $44.00+ — Experience breathtaking circus acts combined with seasonal music in this enchanting holiday show.

2025 NCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball Championship

Dec 3-6 — Shirk Center — Visit NCAA DIII Championship site for details — Witness the crowning of the national champion in women's volleyball.

The Pantagraph's Holiday Spectacular

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $19.00+ — Celebrate the holiday season with an evening of festive entertainment at The Pantagraph's Holiday Spectacular.

NPC Mid-American Winter Classic

10 AM – 10 PM — Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center — Ticketed event — Experience thrilling amateur bodybuilding competitions featuring various divisions.

The Pantagraph's Holiday Spectacular

3:00 – 5:00 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $19.00+ — Celebrate the festive season with an entertaining holiday spectacular showcasing local talents.

Jane Lynch - A Swingin' Little Christmas

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $42.00+ — Classic holiday tunes and hilarious banter come together for a delightful night of music and comedy.

Home for the Holidays Bake Sale

9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — Ace Hardware of Normal — Support a great cause — Enjoy delicious baked goods and help benefit HSCI this holiday season.

Taylor Swift Night

4 PM — Grossinger Motors Arena — Free meal for kids 12 and under — An enchanting evening dedicated to Swifties with fun for the whole family.