Daily
Bloomington
Tuesday, March 17th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Sarah Morgan, owner of The Pass Pub & Grill, previewed themed St. Patrick’s Day events including special drinks and live music set to take place today. The Pantagraph
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington is reviving its Youth Enrichment Program to help local youth learn how government works. The city will share program details and schedule soon. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Don Whitman's 27-year hands-on teaching style earned him regional Teacher-of-the-Year finalist recognition at Normal Community High School. The Illinois State Board of Education will honor 14 finalists at an awards banquet on April 18. WGLT
- ➤ Recent closures of childcare centers Kidsville, Bright Horizons, and a Cadence Academy location left families scrambling for care, forcing parents like Hilary Pacha to adjust work schedules while new centers remain waitlisted amid the growing shortage (the local Child Care Resource and Referral Network offers assistance). WGLT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ McLean County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston said the Economic Development Council delivered $4.25 billion in community investment thanks to Patrick Hoban’s leadership — she hopes to see more business involvement as the county approved zoning amendments to protect residents from data centers' noise and light pollution. WGLT
- ➤ City Manager Jeff Jurgens said design work is 60% complete at the former Market Street parking garage in downtown Bloomington, with $28 million secured (including a $5 million federal grant) and 90 parking spaces planned once the new transit center will break ground at the end of 2026 or early 2027. WGLT
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Jenny Scara LP Release Show
Doors at 6:30 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — Ticket info available — Celebrate the launch of Jenny Scara's new LP with special guests Marble Teeth and Emily How.
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Brushville at Lexington Baseball Night
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of music while supporting the Lexington High School baseball team’s spring trip.
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Jake Owen Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening with country music star Jake Owen as he performs his chart-topping hits.
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Iowa Heartlanders vs. Bloomington Bison
4-7 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — Ticket prices vary — Kids take charge during a fun-filled game night with free meals and post-game skate.
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Under The Streetlamp
7-8:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $37.00+ — Experience the electrifying music of Frankie Valli and other classics performed by Broadway stars.
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Keith Sweat & Ginuwine Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — Tickets from $65 — Celebrate an evening of smooth R&B with legendary artists Keith Sweat and Ginuwine.
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Rittz: Gr8tful Tour
8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Castle Theatre — Tickets required — Experience Rittz live with special guests Dropout Kings and 1Way Blaze.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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