Daily Bloomington Logo Daily Bloomington

Thursday, May 8th, 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 Thursday, the 8th of May.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • The Bloomington-Normal YMCA received the Praesidium Accreditation — a national recognition for its commitment to child safety and abuse prevention.  The Pantagraph
  • The Kiwanis Club of Bloomington is hosting its 15th annual Mother’s Day flower sale today at the Shoppes at College Hills to raise funds for Camp Limberlost—shoppers can choose from a variety of blooms and items until Saturday while the club thanks the community for its support.  Central Illinois Proud

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Golden Ticket Cinemas Ale House will open this summer in the former Ovation Cinema Grill on the southeast side of Bloomington — the new theater will show movies and serve food in a renovated space.  The Pantagraph
  • Maggie Miley’s plans to build a new outdoor patio next to its building at 126 E. Beaufort St using a vacant lot once used during the pandemic. The proposal will be reviewed at the Uptown Design Review Commission meeting at 4 p.m. on May 12 (Room 409) and if approved, the patio is expected to be completed by July 20.  WGLT

CULTURE NEWS

  • Former members and family members of current attendees at Foundation Church in Normal reported spiritual abuse after they experienced strict demands for obedience that led to isolation and financial pressure — many claim that the church’s patriarchal leadership fostered a toxic environment that caused lasting emotional harm, though officials have not commented. The accounts focus on controlling behavior and a culture that discouraged questioning and independent thought.  WGLT

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Nora Brady from Heartland Community College was named NATYCAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year by the National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators after winning a 5K cross country national championship and earning a 4.0 GPA—she will collect the award at the NACDA Conference in June in Orlando and then continue her studies at Illinois State University next year.  Cities 92.9

SPORTS NEWS

  • Illinois State women’s gymnastics coach Bob Conkling announced his retirement after a 20-year career that brought two Midwest Independent Conference championships in three years. His official retirement will be on June 30 and he plans to lead occasional clinics in the future.  WGLT

EVENTS

SUBMIT 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
  • 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.

    Fri, 5/30/25

    View event
  • The Big Run

    5:30-9:30 p.m. — Bloomington-Normal Spine Clinic — Free entry — Celebrate Global Running Day with a fun 3.1-mile run and good friends.

    Wed, 6/4/25

    View event
  • Tri-Shark Classic Triathlon and Duathlon

    1-5 p.m. — Comlara Park — Registration required — Experience the premier Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon event in Bloomington-Normal with a flat, fast course.

    Sat, 6/7/25

    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

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

Know who said this? Send us an email!

Reveal the author
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