Daily
Bloomington
Friday, May 30th, 2025
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Bloomington.
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 30th of May.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Bloomington man—24-year-old Steve Acosta—pleaded guilty in McLean County court on May 8 to aggravated criminal sexual assault after police received a report on June 15, 2023 and he was arrested on July 7, 2024. 25 News Now
- ➤ Two central Illinois men, Barton McNeal and Jamie Snow, who were convicted decades ago for murders in McLean County, have petitioned the Illinois Supreme Court for a new trial+exoneration and now await a decision expected in as few as two weeks to 12 weeks+ which could lead to scheduled oral arguments if the case is taken. Central Illinois Proud
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A mural honoring Abraham Lincoln’s 'Lost Speech' was dedicated yesterday in downtown Bloomington near the museum and Rosie's Pub. Artist Troy Freeman designed the 45-foot tall mural—which cost $27,000 with a $3,500 brass marker—and the event featured Civil War music and remarks linking the speech to Lincoln’s rise in politics and the fight to end slavery. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Strong Towns Blono commissioned an artist to paint 15 colorful circus-themed sidewalk murals that link the library to the McLean County Museum of History. The murals—drawing on local circus heritage—can be seen now and a celebration is planned at the library at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 31. WGLT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille said federal proposals to cut Pell Grants and change aid rules could force heavier course loads and cost students $1.2 million in aid, potentially impacting 1,600 currently enrolled students. He warned the changes may also put defaulted loan responsibility on colleges & make it harder for working families to complete their degrees on time. WGLT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington approved a $36M bond to upgrade its water system — city officials say the project will improve water quality and service reliability. Work is expected to begin soon. WJBC
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Community leaders including the American Red Cross—along with representatives from the Bloomington-Normal YMCA, Boys and Girls Club and parks and recreation—held a water safety outreach at O'Neil Aquatics Center on May 29 to help families prepare for summer. They stressed that drowning is the top accidental cause of death for young children and urged parents to closely supervise swimmers and use life jackets. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Local mental health professionals in Bloomington say there is no one cause for self-harm and stress that open conversation and proper services can help those at risk—programs like 24/7 crisis support and Behavioral Health Urgent Care offer immediate help and new educational initiatives aim to reach younger people through school programs. This effort comes as providers work to reduce stigma and improve access to care in the community. The Pantagraph
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Bloomington.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Color Splash Open Skate
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Bloomington Ice Center — Free entry — Skate in a vibrant atmosphere filled with music and colorful surprises.
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.
Stay Connected Anywhere with This Powerful Portable Charger
Never worry about dead batteries or missed calls again. This high-capacity, portable power bank is a game-changer for anyone who relies on their devices throughout the day. With the ability to charge up to five devices at once, it’s perfect for families, professionals, and travelers alike.
Its compact design makes it easy to carry, while its powerful output ensures your phone, tablet, earbuds, and more stay fully charged no matter where you are. Say goodbye to low-battery anxiety and hello to uninterrupted productivity.
Whether you’re commuting, on vacation, or working remotely, this charger is your ultimate power solution. Stay connected, stay powered, and never miss a moment.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Bloomington.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.
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