Daily
Bloomington
Wednesday, April 29th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 29th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois Prairie Community Foundation awarded $226,284 in grants to 106 nonprofits in McLean, DeWitt, Livingston, and Logan counties including a $5,000 grant to *Wesley United Methodist Church* for its Wesley Distribution Ministry, largely funded by local donors to support education, health, and youth programs. 25 News Now
- ➤ Bloomington labor leaders honored 400 workers who died on the job at a memorial service held Tuesday in White Oak Park during National Workers Memorial Day. The event, which recognized many from a former asbestos factory, underscored the need for strict workplace safety laws such as OSHA. 25 News Now
- ➤ Bloomington approved $60K for a patriotic 300-drone show on July 2 at Miller Park to mark America’s 250th anniversary, with Normal and McLean County contributing $40K together. The city is partnering with Firefly Services while Mayor Dan Brady explores private funding. 25 News Now
- ➤ The Red Cross will host a storm recovery resource center at The Hub at the Government Center downtown Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. It will offer emergency supplies (totes, trash bags, gloves), disaster referrals and mental health support for those affected by recent severe storms. WGLT
- ➤ Homeless advocates from Bloomington and Lincoln discussed shelter projects at the Women to Women Spring Forum Tuesday at the Bloomington Public Library. The Bridge in Bloomington now houses about 50 residents, and Hope on 5th in Lincoln, started in a former nursing home, serves 15 residents. WGLT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Bloomington will mark Route 66’s 100th anniversary on June 6 with 'Saturdays on the Square' at the Downtown Square and free parking; the 1960s themed event offers live music by Motown Nation + a classic car show + a kids zone + food vendors + a costume contest. Cities 92.9
- ➤ Town of Normal launched an online store offering commemorative Route 66 merchandise featuring a logo with Abraham Lincoln (tipping his hat at a Rivian R1 truck) to celebrate 100 years of adventure. The shop aligns with local events starting April 30 and continuing through June 7 at One Normal Plaza. Cities 92.9
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ More than 3,000 students attended Education Day at the Corn Crib in Normal today; they enjoyed interactive booths and a live Heartland Hawks game (which previewed the Cornbelters’ season opener set for May 27) as hands-on learning linked baseball with math and history. 25 News Now
- ➤ Illinois Wesleyan University hosted its third annual STEAM Olympics with For A Better Tomorrow and raised $7,500 in student scholarships in Bloomington. The scholarship funds will support local students as they advance in their studies. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Striking ISU dining and grounds workers have struggled to cover basic costs as their nearly three-week walkout continues. Some workers have returned while the university awaits a federal mediator’s guidance on resuming negotiations (workers seek higher pay and back pay). WGLT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents at the McLean County Detention Facility will plant a courtyard garden this spring to create a space for outdoor activity and therapy sessions with staff joining to build a positive environment. The Pantagraph
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ McLean County’s drug court now relies on peer support specialists to help individuals in addiction recovery, coordinated with community health providers and Heartland Community College's certification program. Ashley Duncan, now sober and planning to become a specialist, credits this support system for giving her a positive path forward. WGLT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington native Brandon Holtz — who played at the Masters and recorded three birdies — was honored by city council Monday night with a mayoral proclamation and now prepares to compete in the U.S. Open in June. 25 News Now
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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.
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ANBERLIN: 20th Anniversary of NTFP
7-8:30 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate 20 years of ANBERLIN with special guests Emery and Watashi Wa.
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Off Season Scrimmage
9:10-10:10 p.m. — Bloomington Ice Center — Free entry — Enjoy an exciting off-season ice hockey scrimmage showcasing local talent.
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