Good morning, Bloomington.

Bloomington High School principal Tim Moore said that phone use has led to poor behavior and lower learning, and he proposed a ban on cell phone use during class starting next fall.

Pending a board vote next month, the plan will allow phones only at the start and end of the day and during lunch — smartwatches will still be allowed — while phones are confiscated for a first offense.

Today, the City of Bloomington is working to fix water taste and odor issues that have affected customers at Garden of Paradise, which now uses bottled water as a temporary solution.

City Council approved $755,000 for a new PAC system and an extra $500,000 for maintenance to keep the water safe until the permanent fix is installed next year — the problem began in January due to environmental factors.

Bloomington City Council approved spending $215,366 to treat algae in Lake Bloomington and Evergreen Lake with Cutrine Plus—aiming to improve the water's odor and taste, with the treatment applied using a GPS-controlled system.

Council members also waived bidding for a street resurfacing program and approved annexation agreements for a solar project and church expansion along Lutz Road, marking a busy meeting that tackled several city projects.

Former CFPB attorney Wesley Ward from Bloomington-Normal said he left his job after new leadership cut enforcement efforts and left consumers vulnerable.

He warned that fewer protections could let more companies break federal law and urged consumers to file complaints with state authorities.

Bloomington announced Jim Karch (former head of public works) will serve as the city's new director of engineering.

Bloomington mayoral candidates—incumbent Mboka Mwilambwe and challengers Dan Brady and Cody Hendricks—are clashing over leadership ahead of the April 1 election as Mwilambwe touts his downtown streetscape and library expansion while his opponents point to water quality issues and call for better public safety and school funding. The challengers have secured local endorsements and plan to work with state and federal officials as early voting continues.

Chairman G.H. Merritt said New Illinois will hold its seventh constitutional convention Friday evening and Saturday at the Chateau Hotel and Convention Center in Bloomington to discuss dividing Illinois by excluding Cook County.

He said the plan comes as many feel rural disenfranchisement and state financial strain have worsened over time — a concern tied to a 1964 ruling and high taxes.

Liverpool Legends - A Beatles Tribute Experience

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $35.00+ — Experience the complete history of The Beatles with a Grammy-nominated tribute band in Bloomington.

Spa, Pool & Swim Spa Blowout Expo

Time TBA — McLean County Fairgrounds — Great discounts available — Discover incredible deals on over 30 hot tubs and swim spas from top brands.

Whiskey Friends: The Morgan Wallen Experience

7-10 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $20+ — Enjoy a high-energy tribute to country superstar Morgan Wallen with an evening of non-stop hits and sing-along ballads.

The Phil Collins Experience

7:00–8:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $25.00+ — Experience the hits of Phil Collins performed live by an acclaimed tribute band.

Loudernow Concert

8 PM — The Castle Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an exciting night of live music at The Castle Theatre.

Million Dollar Time Machine

7-9 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $59.00+ — Experience the ultimate time travel show with legendary musical acts emerging live on stage.

Zoso - A Tribute to Led Zeppelin

7-10 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $24.00+ — Experience the ultimate tribute to Led Zeppelin with a captivating performance of classic hits and stunning visuals.

Study of the Gospel of Mark

7:45-8:45 p.m. — Bloomington Public Library — Free entry — Read and discuss Mark's Gospel while exploring fundamental Christian beliefs and values.