🌱 Bomb Threat At Bradley University + Cancer Research Center Opening

Hi, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this spring morning with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 66 Low: 49.

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Here are the top three stories today in Peoria:

1. Bradley University in Peoria was placed on lockdown on Apr. 25 due to a suspected bomb threat. University Chief of Police Brian Joschko reminded the public that campus safety is their top priority, and they take all threats to students and faculty seriously. Students were cleared late Tuesday night to resume normal activity. (Central Illinois Proud)
2. OSF HealthCare will open a Breakthrough Treatment Center in Peoria when it launches its Cancer Institute in early 2024. The center will give patients access to clinical trials and innovative therapies. The $237 million institute will also include a dedicated research floor. (WCBU News)
3. Academy Sports + Outdoors has opened its first store in Peoria, which is the retailer's second location in the state. The 60,000-square-foot store will offer athletic apparel, sports and outdoor equipment, and private-label brands. The new location is expected to create up to 60 new jobs for the local community. (Retail Insight Network)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Peoria:

• Tot Time At The Playhouse (10:00 AM)
• Sherlock Holmes Story Society At Peoria Public Library North Branch (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Residents in Central Illinois had the chance to see the northern lights on Sunday night due to an unusually large geomagnetic storm on the sun that sent solar particles to Earth. Typically, the northern lights are not visible in Central Illinois. (Central Illinois Proud)
• Are you feeling lucky? There is a Powerball jackpot of $37 million available in Illinois, and you can participate by playing online or in-store. (Illinois Lottery via Instagram)
• The Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity's B2B Arts program has over 50 million of recovery funding to distribute. To learn more about the program and to find out if you are eligible, click here. (Arts Alliance Illinois via Instagram)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll catch up with you soon for a new update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.