Good morning, Normal.

Bloomington-based artist Trevor Basham has his first art show at the McLean County Arts Center where his collection Hardcore Bubblegum shows bright drawings of cartoon characters in wild scenes that differ from his usual tattoo style.

The show runs through April 23 and is held with Jessica Benjamin’s show and the center’s 98th amateur art show while Basham also displays skateboard art at Derp Fest this weekend — all his pieces are new and filled with 80s and 90s fun.

This April, Bloomington-Normal will host several arts and culture events—including Slow Art Day on April 5th, Gamma Phi Circus on April 11th—12th, Holi Moli on April 12th, the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy on April 18th—19th, POP Spring Art Market on April 19th, and Foxtail Film Festival from April 24th—28th.

More than 600 tenure-track and tenured instructors at ISU might strike as soon as Friday, April 4, after filing an intent to strike notice amid long contract talks over salaries, workloads and leave policies.

University officials say seniors will still graduate and mediations are scheduled while students worry about the potential disruption to their classes — the union has not yet called a strike.

Heartland Community College will host a Career and Technical Education Information Night on April 9 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Advanced Manufacturing Center on the Main Campus at 1500 West Raab Road in Normal — the free event will let community members learn about over 30 programs that offer work-ready certifications in a year or less.

Tricoci University of Beauty Culture will hold a ribbon cutting on April 17 at 1503 E.

College Ave., Suite L in Normal to celebrate its new space and increased capacity. The school merged with Paul Mitchell The School last year and can now enroll up to 200 students — offering a larger open floor plan for hands-on training.

Chestnut Health Systems and BN Parents will host a free training session for parents and guardians to learn about alcohol’s role in the lives of high school students and those transitioning to college on April 15 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Heartland Community College’s Community Commons Building in Normal—rooms 1406 and 1407 at 1500 West Raab Road—where Dr. Jason Kilmer will share practical tips to help families talk about alcohol and peer pressure.

Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill to let doctors prescribe a pill that ends a terminal patient's life—patients must be at least 18 and confirmed by two doctors if given six months or less to live.

Supporters say the new law would offer a choice for those facing terminal illness, while critics fear it could lead to pressure on vulnerable patients.

Exploration Day in Bloomington-Normal

2:30-10 p.m. — Meet at Ryburn Place — Costs vary by activity — Explore historic sites and enjoy local dining in a vibrant community setting.

Rivian 5K Charity Run

10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Heartland Community College — Entry fee required — Participate in a fun run supporting local nonprofits with refreshments and an after party.

Children's Day/Book Day Celebration

2-4 p.m. — Illinois Art Station — Free entry — Celebrate reading with engaging activities for children and families.