Daily
Bloomington
Saturday, December 13th, 2025
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 13th of December.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rivian unveiled new hands-free driving and AI tech on Thursday at its Normal event. The company said its system uses multiple cameras + radars and improved Lidar in R2 vehicles for sale next year to enhance autonomous driving on U.S. roads. WGLT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Linda Haddad has been named the next dean of the Mennonite College of Nursing at ISU and will take the post on July 1, 2026, replacing interim dean Dr. Caroline Mallory + Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ani Yazedjian praised Haddad’s leadership and commitment to community engagement. WGLT
- ➤ Illinois State University has named a visiting provost's fellow from the University of Michigan-Flint as the new dean of the Mennonite College of Nursing. He will soon take on leadership responsibilities for the college. The Pantagraph
- ➤ ISU’s Board of Trustees approved funding on Friday for an $8M housing project to add about 900 dorm beds and for a $16.5M solar farm near the College of Engineering to reduce energy costs, aiming to ease the housing shortfall and lower utility bills. WGLT
- ➤ ISU President Aondover Tarhule discussed plans to upgrade student housing at ISU, saying the university will begin renovating dorms next semester + more details will be shared soon. The Pantagraph
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Connect Transit will end service early on Christmas Eve and be closed on Christmas Day to allow employees to spend the holiday with their families. The Pantagraph
- ➤ Bloomington and Normal have extended parking bans into the weekend because more snow is expected across Central Illinois+ residents should move vehicles to avoid towing fines. The Pantagraph
- ➤ The USPS is moving ahead with an electric fleet upgrade funded partly by the Inflation Reduction Act, despite concerns about rising costs and security risks; EV chargers are being installed at a Bloomington facility even as critics cite potential issues with foreign-made batteries (adding uncertainty to future funding). Cities 92.9
- ➤ The Downtown Bloomington post office closed on Dec. 12, leaving residents and merchants without service during the shipping season. Customers are directed to the Sorting and Distribution Center (1511 E. Empire St.) or the Normal Post Office (200 W. North St.) while plans to move the post office have been delayed until next August. WGLT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Gov Pritzker signed the Medical Aid in Dying Bill, which takes effect in September, and OSF said it will not offer physician-assisted suicide while Bishop Tylka urged increased palliative care. Carle Health is reviewing its policy to support patients with end-of-life care options. 25 News Now
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Taylor Swift Night
4 PM — Grossinger Motors Arena — Free meal for kids 12 and under — An enchanting evening dedicated to Swifties with fun for the whole family.
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True Crime Book Club
7-8 p.m. — Bloomington Public Library — Free entry — Dive into thrilling true crime tales with fellow enthusiasts and engage in stimulating discussions.
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Bloomington Bison vs. Fort Wayne Komets
7-8:30 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — Cost info not specified — Catch the thrilling hockey match as the Bloomington Bison face off against the Fort Wayne Komets.
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Kalamazoo Wings at Bloomington Bison
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — $3 drinks, $0 popcorn, $9 pizza — Wear your ugliest holiday sweater and help set a world record while enjoying 309 Night festivities.
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