Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

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Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ McLean County will observe the Ride of Silence in Bloomington-Normal this Wednesday night to honor cyclists injured or killed on public roadways— the 10-mile ride will start at 6:40 p.m. from the McLean County Museum of History with a police escort proceeding north on Main Street to Uptown Normal, part of the 23rd annual event held in nearly 150 locations worldwide. WGLT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Leaders at the McLean County Museum of History delayed a queer history exhibit and other programs after federal funding cuts and are looking for new ways to pay for internships. They depend on grants (20% last year) and private donations to help pay for preservation work and digital projects. 25 News Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A state-funded program to boost diverse college faculty is in doubt as federal pressure on DEI led UIUC to cancel fall awards while Illinois State University continues with its current fellows. Supporters say the program, which has provided tuition aid and stipends since 2004—easing enrollment challenges and building a diverse faculty—faces uncertainty as officials await further details from the Illinois Board of Higher Education. WGLT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Monday, the Normal Town Council voted unanimously to rezone nearly 20 acres in northeast Normal for a luxury housing project that includes 252 residential units amid local concerns about traffic and school impacts—this decision aims to address a housing shortage. The council also approved plans for a 36-acre Carden Springs development and a homeless shelter village called The Bridge in Bloomington while moving forward with other city infrastructure projects. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Illinois will raise its gas tax to 48.3 cents per gallon on July 1 under the Rebuild Illinois plan — the increase follows scheduled hikes tied to the Consumer Price Index and critics say it adds stress on drivers with few road improvements. Lawmakers have proposed a temporary freeze on the rate hikes amid concerns over the value returned from the state’s nearly $3.7 billion Road Fund — a move that has ignited debate on the tax’s impact. Cities 92.9
- ➤ Legislation that would limit fees landlords charge passed the Illinois House — now awaiting Senate amendments to require an itemized list for fees. If the Senate amends and approves the bill, it will return to the House — before lawmakers adjourn on May 31. Cities 92.9
- ➤ McLean County Jail revamped its inmate services into the RESET program—expanding staff to include mental health and substance abuse counselors, a re-entry case manager, and others to support detainees with behavior and recovery needs. Inmates now receive timely assessments, participate in recovery pods and garden sessions, and get re-entry packets to help them transition back into the community. The Pantagraph
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Heartland Community College baseball team secured its fourth straight trip to the World Series by winning the Central District Championship Tournament in Union, Mo. The 46-14 Hawks will have pairings announced Tuesday and start the 12-team, double-elimination tournament Saturday as they chase their second national championship in four appearances. WGLT
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Tailgates N’ Tallboys Country Music Festival
All day — McLean County Fairgrounds — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with country music and community spirit.
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AJ Croce Presents CROCE PLAYS CROCE
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $38.00+ — Experience a musical journey through the songs of A.J. Croce and the legacy of his father, Jim Croce.
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Baby Animal Days
10 a.m.–3 p.m. — Rader Family Farms — Entry fee required — Celebrate summer with adorable baby animals and fun attractions for the whole family.
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FREE Lunchtime Concerts
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Withers Park — Free entry — Enjoy quality musical entertainment during your lunch hour with various local acts performing weekly.
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