Daily
Bloomington
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ McLean County residents clean up after April tornadoes but are not receiving federal help because only 16 homes met the 40% damage threshold instead of the needed 25 — officials advise reporting damage for local aid. 25 News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rivian Automotives launched its new affordable EV R-2 today during an event with local leaders in Bloomington and Normal (including mayors, state rep Sharon Chung, and state Sen Dave Koehler) with CEO RJ Scaringe noting a $45,000 starting price and plans to generate more local jobs. WJBC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ District 87 board approved summer building projects, new student laptops + a revised 2026 budget that remains financially stable, with improvements set to roll out this summer to enhance student learning. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Unit 5 Superintendent Kristen Weikle spoke at a recent meeting about plans for ending the 2025-26 school year – including awards ceremonies and graduation events – as the school finalizes its schedule. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Bloomington High School will launch Raider Academy to help struggling students by offering flexible scheduling and specialized support while they stay active in school activities. The new program is set to be introduced in the upcoming term. The Pantagraph
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Pritzker visited Rivian’s plant in Normal on Tuesday to highlight state investments including an $827M tax incentive + an $11.5M grant for a tunnel + a $5M career training voucher. Candidate Darren Bailey said these taxpayer deals cost too much, arguing past incentives failed to create lasting jobs. Cities 92.9
- ➤ On Monday, the Illinois GOP’s State Central Committee replaced incumbent Chair Kathy Salvi with Bob Grogan, a Bloomington native and former party leader. Former GOP chair Pat Brady said the change reflects widespread frustrations while Grogan said he is ready to unite the party ahead of November electoral contests. 25 News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington nonprofit Lifelong Access offers ABA therapy that helped a local family see improvements in independence and potty training for a young boy; the therapy relies on data collection (reward-based interventions) and addresses a shortage of autism support providers in Central Illinois. WGLT
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ COII, led by CEO Rebecca Johnson (DJ), plans 22 long-term, energy-efficient homes on Bloomington’s west side at 1029 Maple Hill Road; pre-sales may begin this summer with 14 homes available for move-in as early as December and the remaining eight scheduled for winter. WGLT
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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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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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