Saturday, April 26th, 2025

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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
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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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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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.
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.

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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.
~ Henry Ford
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