Daily
Bloomington
Friday, April 25th, 2025
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Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 25th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Normal Theater will show the original Star Wars trilogy next weekend — May 2–4 — for the first time on its Uptown marquee. Adam Fox said the event will offer three viewing options with costume contests and prizes from Graham Crackers Comics, letting fans watch all three films in order. WGLT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ City of Bloomington and Town of Normal announced that the group electric plan for residents will raise rates by about 40% this summer—from 7.89 to 10.89 cents per kilowatt hour on bills paid in July—and residents may opt out to choose another provider by checking local resources. WGLT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Heartland Community College in Normal held a groundbreaking on Wednesday for an expansion of the Constitution Trail around Birky Pond— the project will add a gazebo, pond overlook and bird watching blind while restoring 13 acres of prairie lands. Construction will continue throughout the summer and the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year. WJBC
- ➤ Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule co-signed a statement with nearly 400 college leaders opposing government overreach—claims they say endanger higher education—through the American Association of Colleges and Universities on April 24. WGLT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. JB Pritzker announced that nearly $2M in state funds has been awarded to revitalize downtown Bloomington—one of more than two dozen state grants totalling $30M aimed at improving commercial corridors statewide. The Pantagraph
- ➤ District 87 board members approved a fall cell phone ban at Bloomington High that will require teachers to set an example & confirmed a property tax abatement floor of $2 million from county sales tax revenue. The board also scheduled a CPR training day on May 7 for Bloomington Junior High eighth-graders and elected new officers. WGLT
- ➤ White Oak Road between Market and Locust Streets reopened with a new traffic pattern aimed at improving safety. The redesign permanently limits turns to southbound and westbound and adds truck restrictions on Chestnut and Graham Streets — drivers needing left turns are advised to use Locust Street with Hinshaw Avenue or Martin Luther King Jr Drive. Central Illinois Proud
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Primary care doctors in Bloomington say they treat mental health issues such as depression and anxiety during routine checkups—providers like those at Carle BroMenn and OSF HealthCare work with specialists when extra care is needed. WGLT
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Bloomington.
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Biscuits n Gravy Band Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — THE STATION SALOON — Entry details not provided — Enjoy a night of classic rock and groovy tunes in the heart of Central Illinois.
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20 Over 60 Awards
4:30-6 p.m. — Rob Dob's Restaurant & Bar — Celebration of community leaders over 60 — Honoring impactful contributions by older adults in the community.
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DEWALT Days 2025
12 AM — Blain's Farm & Fleet — Free entry — Explore DEWALT tools and get expert advice during this special event.
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Unit 5K Run/Walk
2 PM — Maxwell Park — Entry fee applies — Support the Unit 5 Educational Foundation while enjoying a 5k run or mile walk.
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Bloomington Princesses at the Zoo
5-7 p.m. — Miller Park Zoo — $30 per guest — Experience an interactive evening with princesses and furry friends at the zoo.
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The SteelDrivers in Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $28.50+ — Experience a unique blend of bluegrass soul from Grammy-nominated folk legends.
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Dry Bar Comedy Live Show
7-10 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $21.00+ — Enjoy a night of clean comedy featuring popular comedians from the Dry Bar Comedy specials.
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American Girl Doll Skate
12:30-2:00 p.m. — Bloomington Ice Center — Registration required — Bring your favorite doll or stuffed animal for skating fun with free treats and activity amenities.
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Fleet Feet Bloomington Donut Run
9 AM – 1 PM — Fleet Feet Bloomington — Entry details not specified — Celebrate the store's anniversary with a fun run/walk for all ages featuring delicious donuts.
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Heart of Illinois Cluster Dog Show
All day — McLean County Fairgrounds — Check website for ticket prices — Enjoy a weekend filled with canine competition and community fun.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.
~ Warren Buffett
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