Saturday, October 19th, 2024

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Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 19th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ WJBC staff raised nearly $400 for the Salvation Army through a celebrity bartender event at Lil' Beaver Brewery to support community aid programs in Bloomington. WJBC
- ➤ Illinois State University Police Department announces the retirement of their therapy K-9, Pawfficer Sage, after over five years and impacting over 7,000 community members. WJBC
- ➤ After nearly 30 years in storage, the restored 14-foot Livingston Santas, a beloved holiday symbol, will be displayed in Bloomington and Normal, thanks to community-funded restoration efforts. WGLT
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Bloomington doctor faces charges for allegedly traveling to meet a minor for sexual acts. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Michael Bakana will receive a new trial after an appeals court overturned his first-degree murder conviction for a 2021 nightclub shooting due to a denied jury option for second-degree murder. WGLT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Illinois State University's Mennonite College of Nursing inaugurates a new, technologically advanced 26,000-square-foot Nursing Simulation Center to improve learning experiences and address the nursing shortage. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Central Illinois high school marching bands, including Bloomington and Normal, are intensively preparing for the upcoming season with unique performances and the Illinois State Marching Band Championships. The Pantagraph
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The McLean County Board approved a resolution to protect the Mahomet Aquifer from potential contamination by carbon sequestration projects, while also enhancing rural transit services and enabling solar power installations. WGLT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Early and mail-in voting numbers in Bloomington and McLean County are higher than previous elections, with efforts to enhance transparency and voter education underway. WGLT
- ➤ In McLean County's election, Democrat Sean Fagan challenges incumbent Republican Susan Schafer for the District 9 County Board seat, emphasizing a need for transparency in mental health spending and criticizing past board 'game-playing'. WGLT
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.
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Oktoberfest Rotary Run - Bloomington, IL
Experience a community celebration with a 5K run, untimed mile, and delicious brat dinners at the Oktoberfest Rotary Run.
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Upon a Burning Body Live Performance
Experience an electrifying metal concert featuring Upon a Burning Body at The Castle Theatre in Bloomington.
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Dropkick Murphys Live with Pennywise and The Scratch
Experience a night of energizing punk rock with Dropkick Murphys, Pennywise, and The Scratch at Grossinger Motors Arena.
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Some Enchanted Evening: A Musical Journey Through Broadway Classics
Experience a vibrant celebration of a century of musical magic from beloved Broadway shows, featuring renowned artists in a jazz-infused performance.
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Howl at the Market - Bloomington Weekly Farmers' Market
Experience a vibrant farmers' market in downtown Bloomington featuring local vendors and fresh products every Saturday from May to October.
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Halloween Skate Festival
Experience a spooky afternoon of ice skating featuring Halloween-themed music, treats, and a special performance, perfect for families and friends.
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MCCC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Heyen Hoops
Celebrate the grand opening of Heyen Hoops at a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the McLean County Chamber of Commerce.
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Justin & The Cosmics Live Performance
Experience an evening of live music with Justin & The Cosmics at The Castle Theatre, showcasing a blend of energetic performances and engaging melodies.
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Adam Ray Comedy Show
Experience an evening of laughter with comedian Adam Ray at the Castle Theatre in Bloomington.
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BHS Bands Annual Craft and Vendor Show
Experience a vibrant craft and vendor show featuring local products including retail soy candles and DIY candle-making opportunities at Bloomington High School.
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.

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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Bloomington.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A happy person isn't someone who's happy all the time. It's someone who effortlessly interprets events in a way that benefits them.
~ Naval Ravikant
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