Good morning, Bloomington.

A Bloomington man died in a two-car crash on Old Route 66 at 2:20 a.m. early Thursday near 1500th Avenue north of Lincoln — one other person was hospitalized.

The House-passed bill would remove the $7,500 tax credit for new electric vehicles and add a $250 annual fee for EV drivers—changes that may slow sales and cut funding for charging stations if the bill becomes law.

University of Illinois expert Eleftheria Kontou said these shifts could affect local manufacturers like Rivian and impact the region's move to electric vehicles.

A Bloomington woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to a drunk driving crash that killed her 8-year-old son and injured another driver when her car swerved on Interstate 74 — the sentence includes over $1.8 million in restitution orders.

At a Bloomington City Council meeting today, officials discussed requiring massage parlors to register amid concerns over human trafficking—Bloomington has 14 suspected illicit massage businesses and similar stricter ordinances in nearby cities have led to closures while law enforcement said investigations usually start with tips, not routine checks.

A study by WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times showed that Black drivers were more likely than white drivers to be stopped and ticketed at public colleges in Illinois—including ISU—where one in three Black drivers received a ticket compared to one in five white drivers.

ISU Police chief Aaron Woodruff said his officers use risk factors like speeding when making stops and noted the campus location plays a role in the numbers.

Illinois lawmakers filed over 7,500 bills this spring but few advanced past committee, with key measures like the Clean Slate Act that would seal many nonviolent criminal records and a Medical Aid in Dying bill for terminally ill patients stalling before reaching the governor's desk. Supporters of both bills said they would help people reenter society and give patients a dignified choice—while critics warned of risks such as unchecked background issues and assisted suicide.

The City of Bloomington will vote Monday on new regulations that require massage parlors and adult entertainment venues to pay a $250 annual licensing fee, a $100 application fee, and an investigation fee amid reports of possible human trafficking and illegal activity — owners must also disclose whether supervisors have criminal records— to help ensure only legitimate businesses operate.

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.