Daily
Bloomington
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, Feb. 13, Eastview Church hosted a Night to Shine prom for guests 14 and older with disabilities, featuring music, karaoke, and sensory rooms tailored to their needs (a free event supported by community volunteers). WGLT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Kiwanis Pancake Days return this weekend at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — a beloved local tradition since 1951. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Illini Cat Club will host its 33rd annual All Breed Cat Show on March 7 to 8 in Bloomington (featuring Bengal, Persian, Maine coon, Siamese and Cornish rex cats with agility and costume contests). The Pantagraph
- ➤ Nomad Theatre launches Paint Night today at McLean County Arts Center Annex, 206 E. Mulberry St. The full-length play offers a sip and paint experience with interactive VIP options that include art lessons and refreshments plus cookies for working moms and community members, running through March 1. WGLT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Central Illinois job postings are now live+ residents can browse online listings to explore new career opportunities. This update helps local job seekers find work that fits their skills. The Pantagraph
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Unit 5's mid-year $244.7 million budget review showed surpluses in education, operations, and tort funds but noted deficits in transportation and working cash, while the board approved resurfacing Normal West High School tennis courts (beginning June 1) and a pool scoreboard purchase as it addressed teacher resignation concerns from January. WGLT
- ➤ A SkillsUSA champion freshman joined Illinois State University’s new College of Engineering today, where his national championship design has boosted local pride. The launch of the first engineering program marks a milestone for the community & elevates technical education. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Illinois State University's Board of Trustees will vote Friday on proposals to raise in-state tuition by over $20 per credit hour, out-of-state rates by more than $43, plus fees and housing and dining costs will jump 4% for the 2026-2027 year & enrollment is expected to remain stable. 25 News Now
- ➤ Unit 5 parents opposed plans to close Carlock and Glenn elementary schools during a public event where a consultant explained proposed building changes — they urged officials to keep both schools open as talks continue. The Pantagraph
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ After last year's 40% jump in electric bills, Normal approved a new 12- to 14-month rate aggregation deal with Stone River Group to secure better bulk pricing starting in June, letting residents opt out if they have rooftop solar or use Corn Belt Energy. WGLT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Three ISU professors (in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association) will host a free screening of the film Caregiving at the Normal Theater on Monday to offer resources for caregivers of those with dementia. Angie Raymer will speak to spotlight community needs and adult day care options. WGLT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ D’Mitri Dunson-Riggs, a cherished player and coach who led local youth programs, died unexpectedly Sunday just days before turning 35. His loss has touched many schools and local basketball coaches who say his legacy in training and inspiring young players will live on in the community. WGLT
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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'.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Christopher Cross Concert
7-9 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $59.00+ — Experience the timeless hits of five-time Grammy winner Christopher Cross live on stage.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Bloomington
Welcome to the Daily Bloomington, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Bloomington, Illinois community. If you like the Daily Bloomington, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Bloomington.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Bloomington and across Illinois. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Bloomington
A free Bloomington community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailybloomington.com/sitemap