Daily
Bloomington
Wednesday, November 26th, 2025
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 26th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The 23rd annual Stuff the Bus event runs from December 1 to December 6 to support Brightpoint Crisis Nursery by collecting essential supplies for children from infancy to six years old. Connect Transit will park buses at local Walmart and Kroger locations in Bloomington and Normal for donations accepted from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.—Saturday hours at some sites end at 6 p.m. Central Illinois Proud
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Central Illinois Regional Airport announced it will add a third daily nonstop Delta flight to Atlanta—meeting rising travel demand. The airport did not say when the new flight service will start. The Pantagraph
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ WGLT has released a list of over 40 holiday events in Bloomington-Normal for December, featuring stage shows, live music and light displays at venues like the Center for the Performing Arts and local parks. Ticket prices range from free to about $114 (details vary by event), giving residents several ways to enjoy the season. WGLT
- ➤ Last Thursday, the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts set a record when Theresa Caputo Live! 'The Experience' drew 1,100 people and over $104,000 in sales. Director Anthony Nelson (noting that more than half the audience came from outside Bloomington) said he expects more high-profile shows soon (with acts like Christopher Cross and Aaron Lewis scheduled). WJBC
- ➤ McHistory tells that Downtown Bloomington was a busy shopping center when four large department stores—like My Store run by German Jewish families—attracted many working people in the late 1800s and early 1900s. My Store opened in the early 1890s and closed in 1931 as urban renewal changed the area—its story shows an important time for downtown retail. WGLT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Illinois led the nation in pumpkin production in 2024 by growing about 485 million pounds of pumpkins, with at least 80% of store pumpkins grown in the state+ production value dropped 10% as challenging weather affected crops. Nathan Johanning from University of Illinois Extension said farmers overcame early wet conditions and later drought to secure a successful harvest, prompting new farm diversification and support to local markets. Cities 92.9
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Thomas Metcalf School's social studies teacher Andy Goveia won a $50,000 classroom makeover contest by KI Furniture after earning over 23,000 votes from more than 550 teachers nationwide—his upgraded classroom will include a big table, new desks, a lounging area, and extra storage to help students learn comfortably after winter break. WGLT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois has amended its Exotic Weed Act to add nine invasive plant species including the Callery pear tree, and the ban will go into effect in 2028. The Pantagraph
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Normal Fire Department is offering a free smoke alarm installation program—residents can request a free installation to help secure their homes. The Pantagraph
- ➤ U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen met with Carle BroMenn Medical Center leaders in Normal to discuss rising health care costs and the need to extend the Affordable Care Act—he and state Rep. Sharon Chung toured the hospital and stressed that bipartisan action is needed for affordable care in the community. Central Illinois Proud
- ➤ Bloomington-Normal fire officials are urging residents to stay safe in the kitchen this holiday season—warning them to 'stay by your pan' and 'watch what you heat' as more people cook at home. The Pantagraph
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Heartland Community College Women’s Volleyball claimed their first NJCAA Division II National Championship title in Cedar Rapids from November 19th to 22nd by defeating Kansas City Kansas in the final match. The Hawks, seeded number 2, finished a 40-4 season with standout plays — a historic award for the team. Cities 92.9
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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True Crime Book Club
7-8 p.m. — Bloomington Public Library — Free entry — Dive into thrilling true crime tales with fellow enthusiasts and engage in stimulating discussions.
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