Thursday, May 28th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 28th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington-Normal native Mindy Crow launches a pop-up roller skating event Wheelz on Sunday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Interstate Center (1106 Interstate Dr.), featuring family sessions, a halftime show with Maestro Jones, food trucks, and raffles benefiting local charities. WGLT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ State Farm in Bloomington announced a compensation cut that will lower agent pay and end retiree benefits — the move is part of a plan to simplify contracts and boost digital services while preserving local customer support. WGLT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Miller Park Zoo will celebrate its 135th birthday on Saturday, June 6 at 3 p.m. at the zoo with a community party—featuring family games and activities; admission is $9 for adults, $7 for kids and seniors while parking and entry for children 2 and under are free. WJBC
- ➤ Al Oltmanns is set to become Heartland Theatre Company's new artistic director today—replacing Rhys Lovell after over a decade; he plans to broaden the season with open forums and trivia events that invite community feedback and diverse casting. WGLT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Michael Brown of the Ecology Action Center recommends residents opt out of the aggregation program—Ameren offers nearly $140 less annually than Direct Energy's locked-in rate from June through August, so customers in Bloomington should consider switching to save money. WGLT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City Council approved boundary changes on Tuesday to add 173 acres (at Six Points Road and Jumer Drive) to the enterprise zone for new housing, retail, and mixed-use development. The adjustments aim to attract investments and boost economic growth locally. WGLT
- ➤ Connect Transit will hold four feedback sessions from Jun. 2-5 at Western Ave Community Center, ISU Alumni Center, a library, and its Normal offices to review changes including a new route to ISU’s College of Engineering facility (opening in fall). The changes will start Aug. 16 when the facility opens. WGLT
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout 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.
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
Sitemap: https://dailybloomington.com/sitemap