Daily Bloomington Logo Daily Bloomington

Saturday, April 26th, 2025

SHARE
SPONSORED BY
Advertiser Logo

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Bloomington.

Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 26th of April.

CRIME NEWS

  • A Bloomington man pleaded guilty to unlawful delivery of a controlled substance—he sold cocaine to an ISP informant.  The Pantagraph
  • Illinois State Police and Normal Police raided a massage spa in Normal on April 23 after receiving a call from a trafficked victim—officers rescued the person and arranged essential services as the investigation continues.  WJBC

CULTURE NEWS

  • The City of Bloomington announced winners of its annual Black History Essay Contest with elementary, middle, and high school winners recognized for their work—winners can be heard on WGLT's Sound Ideas this month and on-demand.  WGLT

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Project Oz opened a new Youth Education and Support Center on Bloomington’s west side for housing insecure youth and those facing family instability—this center offers technology access, food education classes, laundry facilities, and internet service. The $1 million center was funded by a $250,000 state capital grant, private donations including $20,000 from the Bank of Pontiac, and now has a new Behavioral Health Clinic certification from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to extend mentoring services.  WGLT

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Illinois State University hosted a ribbon-cutting on Friday in Normal for its new simulation lab that now serves as the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Child Protection Training Academy— the state's third operational simulation lab and first downstate. The facility, funded by a four-year, $2.1 million grant finalized in June, features mock environments like courtrooms, medical exam rooms, kitchens and living areas to train DCFS staff.  Central Illinois Proud

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Tue, 4/29/25

    View event
  • DEWALT Days 2025

    12 AM — Blain's Farm & Fleet — Free entry — Explore DEWALT tools and get expert advice during this special event.

    Fri, 5/2/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sun, 5/4/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 5/10/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Thu, 5/15/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 5/16/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 5/17/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sun, 5/18/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 5/23/25

    View event
  • Memorial Day Parade

    9 AM - 12 PM — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — Free entry — Celebrate Memorial Day with a vibrant parade from Front Street to Miller Park Zoo.

    Mon, 5/26/25

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

Stay Connected Anywhere with This Powerful Portable Charger

Never worry about dead batteries or missed calls again. This high-capacity, portable power bank is a game-changer for anyone who relies on their devices throughout the day. With the ability to charge up to five devices at once, it’s perfect for families, professionals, and travelers alike.

Its compact design makes it easy to carry, while its powerful output ensures your phone, tablet, earbuds, and more stay fully charged no matter where you are. Say goodbye to low-battery anxiety and hello to uninterrupted productivity.

Whether you’re commuting, on vacation, or working remotely, this charger is your ultimate power solution. Stay connected, stay powered, and never miss a moment.

Get started with The Buy today

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Bloomington.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.

~ Henry Ford

About 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.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

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