Daily
Bloomington
Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Illinois State University is hosting its homecoming parade and run/walk today, with planned road closures affecting surrounding streets—officials advise residents to plan alternate routes. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Multiple Halloween events will take place in Bloomington and Normal in the coming days, offering activities for families, teens and adults. Highlights include a library event on Oct. 28 and 29, a zoo event on Oct. 25 and 26, a skating fest on Oct. 26 with a $1 costume discount, a teen party on Halloween, a college horror film screening on Oct. 30, a ghost story session on Oct. 22, and a Haunted Trail starting behind Normal City Hall Annex with $5 admission (VIP tickets cost $12) (recommended for ages 13+ or accompanied by an adult). WGLT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Golden Ticket Cinemas opened Friday evening in the renovated theater on Bloomington’s far east side, featuring heated recliners and a self-serve popcorn and drink bar—ticket prices remain consistent with the old theater and Tuesday tickets start at $5.75. Director Joe Horton said the cinema will soon add a 30-tap beer wall featuring local brews and host community film screenings. WGLT
- ➤ Rivian stopped sharing how many people work at its Normal plant after receiving millions in tax breaks, and evidence suggests the workforce is lower than the 8,000 previously reported. Local officials now worry that without updated job numbers, they may face challenges planning for community needs. WGLT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Tailgate N’ Tallboys will return to the McLean County Fairgrounds in Bloomington from June 18 to June 20 to celebrate their 10th anniversary with headliners Zach Top, Jessie Murph, and Treaty Oak Revival — the festival has partnered with StubHub to offer a safe ticket exchange platform. 25 News Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Ameren Illinois is asking state regulators to raise its gas delivery rates by more than $128 million—about $6 a month per bill—to fund federal safety measures and replace aging pipelines, while consumer advocates say the increases burden families. The Illinois Commerce Commission will decide by Dec. 1 and a public forum to discuss further cuts is planned for Nov. 1. WJBC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Illinois State University leaders urged the campus to remain flexible as they implemented a new budgeting process designed to re-allocate program funds and improve financial transparency — they approved spending $1.75 million on new software and $375,000 for consulting over the next six months. Trustees then honored longtime softball coach Melinda Fischer by naming the field at Miriam Kneer Stadium after her, recognizing her 1,159 wins over 37 seasons. WGLT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The McLean County Emergency Management Agency extended the burn ban through October 24—drought conditions make small fires risky. Residents are urged to have a water hose or extinguisher nearby—helping reduce the fire threat to homes and fields. Central Illinois Proud
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois Department of Transportation provided a $1.875 million grant to complete the remaining nine miles of the Route 66 bike trail in McLean County, funding engineering reviews and design plans. County officials said they hope federal partners will soon replace a lost $675,000 grant — a step that supports active transportation safety. Central Illinois Proud
- ➤ At a housing conference in Bloomington, Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, warned that HUD cuts and new federal policies will force up to 170,000 people from safe housing and urged Congress to act. She said local groups are trying solutions—like tiny home villages and shelter programs—to keep people housed as they work for more permanent options. WGLT
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Oktoberfest Rotary Run
2-5 p.m. — Union Park — Fundraiser event — Participate in a festive 5K run and 1-mile walk to support local youth services.
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Toledo Walleye at Bloomington Bison
7-8:30 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — $3 Busch Light cans and $0 popcorn — Experience an exciting night of hockey and local fraternity competition at our first 309 Night!
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Masters of Illusion
7:30-9 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $33+ — Experience world-class magicians performing astounding illusions and comedic magic live on stage.
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Kalamazoo Wings at Bloomington Bison
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — $3 Busch Light and $0 popcorn — Celebrate 309 Night with costume contests and great food deals at a thrilling hockey game.
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Cincinnati Cyclones at Bloomington Bison
7-10 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — Tickets available from $28 — Catch the thrilling match as the Bison take on the Cyclones in this exciting hockey showdown.
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WAR: Why Can't We Be Friends? Tour
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $42.00+ — Celebrate 50 years of timeless hits with the iconic soul/funk group WAR.
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Battle of the Bands
6:30-8 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — Starts at $64 — Experience a thrilling competition of local music talent.
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Dumpling 101 Cooking Class
5-7 p.m. — Green Top Grocery — $55.20 — Dive into hands-on dumpling making, perfect for food lovers of all skill levels.
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Indy Fuel vs Bloomington Bison
7-8:30 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — Stream available — Catch the action as the Indy Fuel take on the Bloomington Bison in this exciting hockey match.
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2025 Jingle Bell Run in Central Illinois
1-4 p.m. — Heartland Community College — $50 ($45 before Nov 8) — Celebrate the holidays with a festive run for arthritis awareness while sporting your favorite holiday attire.
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