Daily
Bloomington
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Normal will celebrate Arbor Day on April 24 and April 25 with student planting and community events (marking its 27th consecutive year as a Tree City USA town). The Pantagraph
- ➤ The McLean County Farm Bureau announced a $1 million investment to upgrade the fairgrounds on the west side, with improvements including HVAC repairs, electrical work and barn upgrades planned this year to keep the facility strong (after 30 years at this location). WJBC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Lincoln Heritage Museum director Ron Keller released a video message on Saturday, April 18 urging viewers to honor America's 250th anniversary by reflecting on the nation's past + planning for a better future. The Pantagraph
- ➤ McLean County Museum of History hosts an exhibit that explores 250 years of local community and conflict. The exhibit is open for visitors eager to learn about our shared past. The Pantagraph
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Stan Gozur was elected as president of the Unit 5 school board and praised the enrollment study that kept Carlock and Glenn Elementary open today. He plans to invite more community input and focus on staff retention (including careful finance management) as the district prepares for future changes. WGLT
- ➤ McLean County school board approved attendance boundary changes and will build or renovate a shared facility for students from Brigham and Sugar Creek, moving its transitional program to a new building in fall 2027. The unanimous decision follows a year of planning and community feedback. WJBC
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington has been recognized as a Tree City USA community for the 40th time by the Arbor Day Foundation. The city will host an Arbor Day observance with a tree planting at Benjamin Elementary School on Friday, Apr. 24 at 10 a.m. WJBC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Normal Parks and Recreation seeks public input on its master plan. Community members can share feedback via an online survey open until May 22 or by attending the open house (6 p.m.) on April 29 at the Community Activity Center. The Pantagraph
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Prairie Pride Coalition will host a free lunch-and-learn on Tuesday, April 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Chestnut Family Health Center (702 W. Chestnut St.) to introduce an updated queer-focused suicide prevention curriculum and provide tools for discussing suicide. WGLT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Bloomington Bison face the Iowa Heartlanders at Grossinger Motors Arena today as they vie for their first postseason berth. Head coach Phillip Barski (crediting returning players and arena improvements) said rising attendance highlights strong local support. WGLT
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James McMurtry Live Performance
8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — 18+ event — Experience storytelling through music with the acclaimed artist James McMurtry.
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The Second City – Best of the Second City
7-10 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of hilarious sketches and improv from legendary comedy icons.
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The Steepwater Band Live
8-11 p.m. — Jazz UpFront — Ticket info not specified — Experience the talented sounds of The Steepwater Band as they bring their rock tunes to Bloomington.
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FILTER Live in Bloomington
7-10 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — Tickets required — Experience a night of electrifying performances with FILTER and special guests.
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Tropidelic Live Performance
7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — Ticket info varies — Enjoy a lively performance by Tropidelic with special guests The Quasi Kings & The Palmer Squares.
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Nonpoint Concert
7-9 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the Outta Control Tour with Nonpoint and special guests Soil and Sumo Cyco.
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
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