Good morning, Bloomington.

Eighteen-year-old Luis Monroy did not plead guilty as expected for fatally stabbing 19-year-old Nicholas Zapata at a party near Southgate Estates Mobile Homes on Sept.

23, 2023—his plea is set to change to guilty on June 5.

Today, Heartland Community College and Illinois State University will sign an agreement at Heartland’s Gregg Chadwick Community Board Room in the Community Commons Building to create a clear pathway for students to transfer and complete an online business degree—759 transferable courses support the plan, with the first class set to transfer in Fall.

Students from the Bloomington Area Career Center’s Construction Trades program helped rebuild the new education space on Oakland Avenue that will soon be theirs.

District 87 bought the former State Farm building for $4.5 million in March and renamed it the Willie G. and Gloria Brown Education Center — it will open in August to house the career center and the Sarah E. Raymond School of Early Education.

On Tuesday, construction students from Bloomington Career Academy toured the new Willie G. and Gloria Brown Education Center—taking part in drywall hanging as renovations continued.

District 87 bought the building at 2309 E. Oakland Ave. in 2024 to expand pre-kindergarten services and career training—giving students a real-life chance to learn trade skills.

Illinois agriculture leaders and lawmakers welcomed the EPA’s decision to allow E15 gasoline sales—supporting the local ethanol industry and offering consumers lower prices—by issuing a waiver effective today that runs through May 20 and may extend to Sept.

15; environmentalists warned the move might elevate risks to air and water quality.

McLean County launched a Family Treatment Court to help parents facing addiction in child welfare cases voluntarily keep custody and join recovery programs.

The program—which started about six months ago with $1 million in funding and weekly check-ins—is designed as a pilot model for the state.

DEWALT Days 2025

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sixtiesmania

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $44.00+ — Experience a vibrant musical journey through the iconic hits of the '60s with an electrifying tribute band.