Daily
Bloomington
Thursday, April 24th, 2025
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Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 24th of April.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Aaron Rossi pleaded guilty in a Peoria court to healthcare fraud and contraband charges—charges that include defrauding Central Illinois Orthopedic Surgery in Bloomington out of over $1 million—and now faces a pending July 15 hearing that may lead to additional prison time. WJBC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Nomad Theatre Company will present The AI Plays at The Coffeehouse & Deli in Normal on April 26, showcasing an innovative performance that uses AI-generated prompts to set the stage. The show will start at 7 p.m. with a family-friendly act and then shift to an adult show at 10 p.m.—featuring pre-rehearsed scenes, submissions before the event, and ideas from the audience. WGLT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Resource officers with Bloomington-Normal schools were awarded the National Association of School Resource Officers Model Agency Award on April 23 for excellence in school-based policing. The award recognizes their strong training, clear policies, and innovative safety efforts — noted in the collaboration between Unit 5 and District 87 teams. WJBC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Bloomington received a $2 million state grant to improve downtown streetscapes along North Main Street from Jefferson to Locust, and bids for the first phase are due within days. City manager Jeff Jurgens said the work will replace outdated infrastructure — upgrade lighting, add landscaping and create a new North Main Plaza — with the larger project estimated at nearly $60 million. WGLT
- ➤ Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban plastic bags at large retailers starting in 2029—retailers would instead offer recyclable paper bags for a 10-cent fee. The proposal exempts smaller stores and will require a supermajority vote when the Senate reconvenes on April 29. The Pantagraph
- ➤ The intersection of White Oak Road at Market Street reopened on the west side with a reconfigured design that limits turns to southbound & westbound right turns only. City officials said the changes boost safety and pedestrian access while improving the railroad crossing as part of a broader upgrade of Illinois 9. WGLT
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local health providers warned that planned Medicaid cuts—totaling $880 billion over the next decade—could reduce care for 40,000 local residents and force more patients into overburdened emergency rooms. U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen and Chestnut Health Systems CEO Dave Sharar said that changes to Medicaid eligibility and work requirements may disrupt integrated care models and lead to job losses. WGLT
SHOP NEWS
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Biscuits n Gravy Band Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — THE STATION SALOON — Entry details not provided — Enjoy a night of classic rock and groovy tunes in the heart of Central Illinois.
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20 Over 60 Awards
4:30-6 p.m. — Rob Dob's Restaurant & Bar — Celebration of community leaders over 60 — Honoring impactful contributions by older adults in the community.
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DEWALT Days 2025
12 AM — Blain's Farm & Fleet — Free entry — Explore DEWALT tools and get expert advice during this special event.
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Unit 5K Run/Walk
2 PM — Maxwell Park — Entry fee applies — Support the Unit 5 Educational Foundation while enjoying a 5k run or mile walk.
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Bloomington Princesses at the Zoo
5-7 p.m. — Miller Park Zoo — $30 per guest — Experience an interactive evening with princesses and furry friends at the zoo.
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The SteelDrivers in Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $28.50+ — Experience a unique blend of bluegrass soul from Grammy-nominated folk legends.
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Dry Bar Comedy Live Show
7-10 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $21.00+ — Enjoy a night of clean comedy featuring popular comedians from the Dry Bar Comedy specials.
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American Girl Doll Skate
12:30-2:00 p.m. — Bloomington Ice Center — Registration required — Bring your favorite doll or stuffed animal for skating fun with free treats and activity amenities.
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Fleet Feet Bloomington Donut Run
9 AM – 1 PM — Fleet Feet Bloomington — Entry details not specified — Celebrate the store's anniversary with a fun run/walk for all ages featuring delicious donuts.
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Heart of Illinois Cluster Dog Show
All day — McLean County Fairgrounds — Check website for ticket prices — Enjoy a weekend filled with canine competition and community fun.
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