Daily
Bloomington
Wednesday, April 1st, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ TSA officers at Central Illinois Regional Airport thanked local donors for support during a 44-day period without pay — emergency pay has now been ordered and donations are being halted. The airport acknowledged contributions including food and money from community groups. 25 News Now
- ➤ Eastview Church will donate its community center on the corner of Main Street and Oakland Avenue to Home Sweet Home Ministries this summer, expanding its campus on three blocks south of downtown. The nonprofit uses the building for shelter services and plans further discussions with community partners (timing pending). WGLT
- ➤ The YWCA announced its 40-year senior volunteer program will end on June 30 because a federal grant now focuses on direct services such as food insecurity and behavioral health + only 20% of volunteers match the new criteria. The agency will explore alternative funding to support community engagement. 25 News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington's former Pantagraph print building on West Jefferson Street has reopened as the 8 Bit Arcade, offering free retro video games and paid drinks while Hockey Foundry launches a training facility upstairs for year-round skating (City Manager Jeff Jurgens praises the new energy downtown). WGLT
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ MIOpera, a Bloomington-based opera company, launches I, Too, Sing America on April 10 with a series of events spotlighting Black composers and operatic works about the Black experience. The series, supported by a $20,000 Healing Illinois grant, runs through June (featuring a master class with soprano Carren Moham and a recital by Jason McKinney). WGLT
- ➤ TEDxNormal (What’s the 411?) will host its event on April 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at Astroth Auditorium at Heartland Community College in Normal, with speakers announced as the event approaches. The Pantagraph
- ➤ American Giants Museum in downtown Atlanta will open May 1 after agreeing to make 24 ADA upgrades including entrance and restroom modifications. The improvements come from a DOJ settlement – aimed at better access for visitors with mobility needs. WGLT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council named Tyler Cravens interim chief executive officer as it starts a national search for a permanent replacement for Patrick Hoban. Cravens — former chief operating officer at the McLean County Chamber of Commerce — will guide the council during this transition. WGLT
- ➤ Illinois business leaders are calling for more funding for child care as facility closures and high demand hurt productivity. A report from ReadyNation Illinois reveals a $6.2 billion loss (annually) and backs Gov. Pritzker’s $55 million proposal, with plans to seek extra state and federal support. WGLT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Children's Discovery Museum will open its new 'From Farm to a Healthy Me' exhibit on April 9, offering hands-on features including a combine simulator, interactive drone displays, and a kid-sized food truck — designed with input from local farmers to teach children about food and health. Cities 92.9
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local farm groups and state lawmakers are working on the Family Farm Preservation Act to raise the estate tax exemption from $4M to $6M for farmland heirs. The bill—now in committee—could help keep family farms in ownership and may win Gov. Pritzker's support if it balances relief with revenue. 25 News Now
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Keith Sweat & Ginuwine Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — Tickets from $65 — Celebrate an evening of smooth R&B with legendary artists Keith Sweat and Ginuwine.
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Rittz: Gr8tful Tour
8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Castle Theatre — Tickets required — Experience Rittz live with special guests Dropout Kings and 1Way Blaze.
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Arrival From Sweden - The Music Of ABBA
7-10 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unforgettable music of ABBA with a captivating tribute performance that has delighted fans worldwide since 1995.
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Bloomington Bison vs. Iowa Heartlanders
2-9 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — Check out the thrilling hockey match as the Bloomington Bison face off against the Iowa Heartlanders live on FloHockey.
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James McMurtry Live Performance
8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Castle Theatre — 18+ event — Experience storytelling through music with the acclaimed artist James McMurtry.
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The Second City – Best of the Second City
7-10 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of hilarious sketches and improv from legendary comedy icons.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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