Daily
Bloomington
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 21st of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Play It Again Sports is set to host its grand opening event at its Bloomington location from Thursday, Jan.22 through Sunday, Jan.25 where customers can win prizes. The Pantagraph
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington-Normal officials unveiled plans for the IL Route 66 Centennial Celebration and will announce dates and venues soon + the event aims to highlight local heritage in the community. The Pantagraph
- ➤ VisitBN has announced special events celebrating Route 66's 100th anniversary across McLean County. Local communities will host festivities (for residents) to mark this milestone. The Pantagraph
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Illinois Wesleyan University (in Bloomington) will host its third annual STEAM Olympics on Feb. 14, 15, and 21 as a multi-day event for student teams. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Unit 5 postponed its school board meeting to 6:30 p.m. Wed, Jan. 28 at Normal Community West High School after its agenda missed the 48-hour deadline under Open Meetings Act. The meeting will review proposals for track replacements at two high schools and a new roof at Kingsley Junior High. WGLT
- ➤ On Jan. 20, Ridgeview High School in Colfax hosted Midday Madness with Flanagan-Cornell, combining boys & girls basketball games with an in-school safety assembly featuring student speaker Ben Tracy. The event aimed to educate students on safe online practices and foster community through fun activities. WGLT
- ➤ Unit 5 is adjusting its Community Schools program at Cedar Ridge and Fairview Elementary after the federal grant used to support student services will end in February. The district plans to use alternate funding to maintain critical staff and essential services, although some activities like bus transport may be reduced. WGLT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State Rep. Paul Jacobs raised concerns after a state audit found that Illinois State University repeatedly failed to disclose professors’ outside work and properly secure student data — issues that may prompt lawmakers to enforce stricter safeguards. Cities 92.9
- ➤ A new bill introduced on Jan. 15 proposes a refundable tax credit of up to $25,000 for first-time home buyers (including teachers and first responders) to help make home ownership more affordable in Illinois. Local realtors say that if the credit boosts demand, Bloomington-Normal’s tight market could see rising prices. 25 News Now
- ➤ Bloomington will close West Oakland Avenue from South Lee Street to South Allin Street for water work, and the closure will last for an undetermined period. The Pantagraph
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Central Illinois chess players won the 2026 MLK Chess Tournament on Monday, Jan. 19 at Illinois State University’s Bone Student Center — their strong performance reflects local talent and sets the stage for future competitions. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Illinois State lost its national championship game in Nashville two weeks ago by one point, but AD Jeri Beggs said the team gained PR with nearly three million ESPN viewers and record social media traffic, which will fuel upcoming capital projects and bolster spending on NIL contracts for recruiting. WGLT
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Taylorville - A Tribute to Taylor Swift
6-8 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $19.00+ — Experience a night filled with Taylor Swift’s greatest hits and stunning visuals in this dynamic tribute performance.
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CJ Chenier and The Red Hot Louisiana Band
8-11 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the vibrant sounds of Louisiana with CJ Chenier and his dynamic band.
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Aaron Lewis and The Stateliners: 2026 American Tour
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $53.00+ — Experience Aaron Lewis's raw country sound combined with powerful storytelling and special guest Kenny Whitmire.
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Bloomington Bison vs. Maine Mariners - College Night
7-9 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — $3 Busch Light cans and $0 popcorn — Celebrate local universities at 309 Night with in-game activities and special food deals.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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