Good morning, Bloomington.

A Bloomington man—24-year-old Steve Acosta—pleaded guilty in McLean County court on May 8 to aggravated criminal sexual assault after police received a report on June 15, 2023 and he was arrested on July 7, 2024.

Two central Illinois men, Barton McNeal and Jamie Snow, who were convicted decades ago for murders in McLean County, have petitioned the Illinois Supreme Court for a new trial+exoneration and now await a decision expected in as few as two weeks to 12 weeks+ which could lead to scheduled oral arguments if the case is taken.

A mural honoring Abraham Lincoln’s 'Lost Speech' was dedicated yesterday in downtown Bloomington near the museum and Rosie's Pub.

Artist Troy Freeman designed the 45-foot tall mural—which cost $27,000 with a $3,500 brass marker—and the event featured Civil War music and remarks linking the speech to Lincoln’s rise in politics and the fight to end slavery.

Strong Towns Blono commissioned an artist to paint 15 colorful circus-themed sidewalk murals that link the library to the McLean County Museum of History.

The murals—drawing on local circus heritage—can be seen now and a celebration is planned at the library at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 31.

Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille said federal proposals to cut Pell Grants and change aid rules could force heavier course loads and cost students $1.2 million in aid, potentially impacting 1,600 currently enrolled students.

He warned the changes may also put defaulted loan responsibility on colleges & make it harder for working families to complete their degrees on time.

Bloomington approved a $36M bond to upgrade its water system — city officials say the project will improve water quality and service reliability.

Work is expected to begin soon.

Community leaders including the American Red Cross—along with representatives from the Bloomington-Normal YMCA, Boys and Girls Club and parks and recreation—held a water safety outreach at O'Neil Aquatics Center on May 29 to help families prepare for summer.

They stressed that drowning is the top accidental cause of death for young children and urged parents to closely supervise swimmers and use life jackets.

Local mental health professionals in Bloomington say there is no one cause for self-harm and stress that open conversation and proper services can help those at risk—programs like 24/7 crisis support and Behavioral Health Urgent Care offer immediate help and new educational initiatives aim to reach younger people through school programs. This effort comes as providers work to reduce stigma and improve access to care in the community.

The Big Run

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Bloomington-Normal Spine Clinic — Free entry — Celebrate Global Running Day with a fun 3.1-mile run and good friends.

Tri-Shark Classic Triathlon and Duathlon

1-5 p.m. — Comlara Park — Registration required — Experience the premier Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon event in Bloomington-Normal with a flat, fast course.

Tailgates N’ Tallboys Country Music Festival

All day — McLean County Fairgrounds — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with country music and community spirit.

AJ Croce Presents CROCE PLAYS CROCE

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts — $38.00+ — Experience a musical journey through the songs of A.J. Croce and the legacy of his father, Jim Croce.

Baby Animal Days

10 a.m.–3 p.m. — Rader Family Farms — Entry fee required — Celebrate summer with adorable baby animals and fun attractions for the whole family.

FREE Lunchtime Concerts

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Withers Park — Free entry — Enjoy quality musical entertainment during your lunch hour with various local acts performing weekly.

Color Splash Open Skate

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Bloomington Ice Center — Free entry — Skate in a vibrant atmosphere filled with music and colorful surprises.