Daily
Bloomington
Thursday, April 30th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 30th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The American Red Cross will host a storm recovery resource center Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Hub in the Government Center in Bloomington to offer emergency supplies, disaster referrals, and mental health resources after nine tornadoes caused damage in McLean County on April 17. 25 News Now
- ➤ City of Refuge Ministries in Bloomington celebrates its 50th anniversary this week + marking decades of community service. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Normal launched its online Route 66 centennial merchandise store with a new logo ahead of the town’s Retro Roadside Picnic on Sunday, June 7. The Pantagraph
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Normal launched an online store today offering Route 66 centennial merchandise with special designs featuring Lincoln and a Rivian R1 truck, and the store launch kicks off celebrations including the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration today. 25 News Now
- ➤ Normal Community Experimental Ensemble, a group of high school students, released new LP 'A Moment of Yet' and will hold a free concert on May 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the McLean County Museum of History; the album is available for vinyl and digital download through Black Flag Bonsai Club. WGLT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in Illinois reached $4.53 on Wednesday as a brief power loss at BP’s Whiting refinery and ongoing conflict in the Middle East drove up crude oil costs — AAA said it is unclear when prices might fall. Cities 92.9
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Heartland Community College will hold its commencement ceremony on Friday, May 15 at 5:00 p.m. at Grossinger Motors Arena (101 S. Madison St) with graduate recognitions and speeches from President Keith Cornille and student speaker David Helms, and a clear bag policy in effect. Cities 92.9
- ➤ Debbie Coffman retired after 32 years coaching girls basketball at Central Catholic (finishing with a record of 632–204 over 28 seasons). Athletic Director Nathan Thomas said the school will soon begin searching for a new coach. WGLT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents in McLean County can drop off electronics (computers, TVs, phones) at the Town of Normal Public Works facility on Saturday, May 2 from 8 a.m. to noon; monthly service adjusts to weekday summer hours from May 4 until Sept. 4, with regular times resuming on Sept. 8. Cities 92.9
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Chaia Meier, a U-High grad with coaching experience at Moody Bible+Edgewood, was named Bradley's head women's basketball coach on Apr. 3 and plans to rebuild the team while staying close to her Bloomington family. WGLT
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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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