Good morning, Bloomington.

Ernest F. Lamkey, a 77-year-old Bloomington man, fell into Lake Bloomington near 18351 Kickapoo Lane on Thursday afternoon and was pulled from the water by Hudson Fire Department teams, but was pronounced dead at 7:23 p.m.—the McLean County Coroner’s Office and Sheriff’s Office are investigating the drowning with toxicology tests pending—.

Author and musician Ruth Anne King will visit the Bloomington Public Library Community Room for a free literary event (admission is free) from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 15.

Over 4,000 students earned degrees on May 10 at Illinois State University's spring commencement in the College of Education and the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts.

University President Aondover Tarhule said the graduates overcame hard times during the pandemic and are ready for a new start — a milestone marking the beginning of their next chapter.

Moody's Ratings reaffirmed Bloomington's Aa1 credit rating before a planned $33 million bond offering to upgrade the water system.

Mayor Dan Brady said the strong rating will help the city borrow at better rates—officials plan to issue about $140 million more bonds for further water improvements—ensuring future investment in essential services.

Illinois State University’s Board of Trustees approved spending up to $41.5 million on Friday to build the first phase of a new College of Engineering campus at 1709 GE Road on Bloomington’s east side.

The approval includes $34.7 million for renovations and $6.8 million for classrooms, labs, and audio-visual equipment to initially serve 600 engineering students (with a second phase planned to add space for over 1,000 students).

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.

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.

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.