Good morning, Bloomington.

Yesterday, the Bloomington-Normal Deaf Club brought holiday cheer when Signing Santa and Mrs. Claus met with U-High students during an ASL class—this event gave local children an opportunity to see deaf role models.

The club will visit deaf and special needs children at schools, hospitals and churches on Dec. 13.

A Dutch Bros Coffee is planned at the former Bandana's Bar-B-Q site on IAA Drive in Bloomington.

The new shop will bring the popular coffee chain to the local area.

Often Running in Normal will close in the next few weeks once its remaining stock is sold, as store manager Mitch Hobbs retires and says online shopping and staff problems made it hard to keep the store open.

Normal Mayor Chris Koos—owner of the building—said that Vitesse Cycle Shop will remain open.

The McLean County Museum of History is partnering with Casper Brewing to honor the defunct Meyer Brewing Company by recreating a lager based on its early recipe and offering tastings at the museum’s Christmas Under the Dome holiday open house Friday from 5-8 p.m. A portion of every beer sold will benefit the museum.

Ameren Illinois will raise residential gas bills by an average of $3.65 in January 2026 after the Illinois Commerce Commission lowered proposed rate hikes for two large utilities.

The decision follows an 11‑month review and comes as critics say even a small increase can stretch household budgets in winter.

Ameren customers in central Illinois will soon see credits on their power bills from a $38 million settlement between the state and Dynegy Inc. The credits will be applied this month based on energy use after an investigation into overcharged electricity prices.

The Illinois Soybean Association is hosting the free 'Talk Dirt to Me' workshop in Bloomington on Dec.

11. The event will offer local residents a chance to learn new techniques in soybean farming.

Ameren Illinois is asking the Illinois Commerce Commission to approve a $59.6 million increase in delivery rates after a $308.6 million hike last year, as the Citizens Utility Board said a state law provision allows recovery of extra expenses.

Meanwhile, flags will be ordered half-staff for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on Dec. 7 — Illinois Right to Life plans to deliver petitions opposing Senate Bill 1950 regarding doctor assisted suicide.

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.

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.

Bloomington Bison vs. Fort Wayne Komets

7-8:30 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — Cost info not specified — Catch the thrilling hockey match as the Bloomington Bison face off against the Fort Wayne Komets.

Kalamazoo Wings at Bloomington Bison

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — $3 drinks, $0 popcorn, $9 pizza — Wear your ugliest holiday sweater and help set a world record while enjoying 309 Night festivities.