Daily
Bloomington
Friday, May 15th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Dutch Bros Coffee opened at 5 a.m. May 13 at 502 IAA Drive in the former Bandana’s Bar-B-Q building. Mayor Dan Brady served drinks as over 3,000 visitors arrived by 1 p.m. WJBC
- ➤ The McLean County Chamber of Commerce hosted a Twin Cities showcase featuring over 100 local businesses at CEFCU Arena, offering free samples and networking plus chances for vendors to connect with the community. Organizers plan to expand the event in the future. WJBC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Several Central Illinois breweries, including Bloomington’s Keg Grove, met at White Oak Brewery in Normal on Thursday to brew Cherry Chopper, a cherry golden ale (inspired by George Washington) to honor the nation’s 250th birthday; the beer will be available in select stores starting June 20. 25 News Now
- ➤ Classic car fans will join the Champagne British Car Festival on Sunday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Clover Lawn of the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site — featuring 125 British vehicles and live music — organized by the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club. WJBC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Eugene Field School in Normal hosts the Unit 5 program for young adults learning independent living skills and job training. Teachers and parents say the aging building (with asbestos, heating and accessibility issues) is slated for closure by 2029 to 2030, prompting efforts to relocate students to a modern facility. WGLT
- ➤ Illinois Wesleyan University announced its new interdisciplinary quantum science program at the Fisher Quantum Center. Courses start Spring 2027 and outreach will include a high school teacher camp in Summer 2026 (student camp is planned for Summer 2027) at the Bloomington campus. Cities 92.9
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ After April tornadoes left damage, McLean County residents are repairing homes without SBA low-interest repair loans because only 16 properties qualified out of the 25 needed. County officials are coordinating with insurance + nonprofits to help cover repair costs. WGLT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington nonprofit PATH hosts its annual Voices in Color art auction to raise awareness for the 988 crisis hotline, featuring six winning posters that will be shown around McLean County and auctioned Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the DoubleTree hotel, with proceeds supporting PATH Pals programming. WGLT
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ After more than a decade of work, the restoration of Ewing Manor in Bloomington is complete. The historic building preserves its rich past as it nears its centennial in 2028. The Pantagraph
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington Bison President Andy Zilch announced today the full 2026-27 season schedule, which begins with Opening Night on Oct. 17. The schedule lists 36 home games against teams including the Kalamazoo Wings + offers varied game times, with a special Education Day game on Feb. 23 at 10:30 a.m. Cities 92.9
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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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The Big Run - Bloomington, Illinois
5:00 p.m. — Tipton Trail Parking — $15 early registration — Celebrate Global Running Day with a community run and help support a great cause.
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Revel In Red Concert
8 PM – 12 AM — The Castle Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the best of anthem rock from the 70s to today with special guests The Great Affairs.
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Illinois Game Con 2026
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL — Admission fee varies — Explore vintage and new video games, compete in tournaments, and enjoy local artists at this vibrant gaming convention.
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Route 66 Centennial Celebration
12-3 p.m. — One Normal Plaza — Free entry — Experience a nostalgic 1950s-themed event with family-friendly activities and classic vibes along the Mother Road.
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