Daily
Bloomington
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Home Sweet Home Ministries provided an update for The Bridge after about a month of operations, saying the shelter village south of downtown is nearly full but running well. The Pantagraph
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Theater director Chad Tallon previewed Thomas Metcalf School’s upcoming production of Frozen in a new video, outlining a creative vision for the show. The school will stage the performance soon to bring the magic of the story to the community. The Pantagraph
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, Heartland trustees voted 5-2 to approve a 2.7% tuition increase that will raise the per-credit cost to $192 by adding $5 per credit hour for district students at Heartland Community College. The Pantagraph
- ➤ ISU College of Engineering is exceeding enrollment goals and renovating a GE Road building to accommodate more students. The new facility, scheduled to open next school year (with move-in in late June and a grand opening later), is expected to support local workforce needs. WGLT
- ➤ The McLean County Unit 5 school board reported on Wednesday that its fiscal 2026 budget (revenue and expenditures meeting projections) was on track at the mid-year mark. The Pantagraph
- ➤ ISU officials propose a 4.15% tuition rise (adding about $1,143 for most incoming undergrads and 15% more for differential programs) for next school year. Trustees will also review plans to fund a new STEM building, upgraded performance systems, enhanced security, and library subscriptions. WGLT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ U.S. Sen. Durbin announced a $1.9M federal grant to extend Constitution Trail from Gregory Street and Parkside west to Maxwell Park and College Avenue, with construction planned to begin in 2028 and Normal matching with $475K to improve multi-modal travel (which benefits underserved areas). WGLT
- ➤ Sen. Durbin and former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood spoke at Illinois State University's Bone Student Center Tuesday night, urging listeners to engage in voter registration challenges and debates on political discourse (they emphasized the importance of a strong turnout for the upcoming midterms). 25 News Now
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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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Bloomington Bison vs. Maine Mariners - Country Night
6-9 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — Ticket prices vary — Put on your cowboy boots and enjoy a thrilling hockey game followed by a free concert.
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Bison vs. Mariners: Abe's Birthday Celebration
4-6 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — Ticket info available — Celebrate Abe's birthday with free meals for kids and a post-game skate.
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It's A 2000s Party: Bloomington
8-10 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Relive the 2000s with iconic music and fashion in a nostalgic party atmosphere.
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Here Come The Mummies Concert
7-9 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $41.00+ — Get ready to groove with this eight-piece funk-rock band of 5000 year-old Egyptian Mummies bringing their 'Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave'.
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Wizard of Oz On Ice
7-10 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $24.00+ — Experience the beloved classic reimagined with breathtaking ice performances and stunning choreography.
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Miller Park Zoo Stampede
9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Miller Park Pavilion — Entry fee required — Run or walk to support a wild cause in the heart of Miller Park.
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STOMP Performance
7-10 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $36.00+ — Experience an inventive blend of dance, music, and theatrical performance with energizing beats.
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Grown-Up Story Time
7:30-8:30 p.m. — McLean County Arts Center — Free entry — Adults enjoy beloved children's stories with light refreshments.
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Bloomington Bison vs. Fort Wayne Komets
7-8 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — Tickets available — Catch the thrilling ice hockey showdown between the Bison and the Komets.
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