Good morning, Normal.

A new gift shop, AmEIREcan Irish Gift Shop, has opened at 203½ W.

North St. in uptown Normal and offers Irish made goods for locals to enjoy.

Mind Robotics, a startup owned by Rivian and founded by CEO RJ Scaringe, secured $500 million in funding announced Wednesday by Accel and a16z.

The company will build AI powered industrial robots using production data from its plant in Normal.

Prairie Fire Theatre announced its 2026 season on March 11 with productions including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which will run Aug.

7-16 at Heartland Community College (auditions April 17-18), plus additional shows in May, July and Oct.

Patrick Hoban resigned on March 11 after a six-year term leading the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council to join Ameren as an economic development manager — his departure has sparked a debate among local officials and business leaders on the council’s future direction.

Local female judges in McLean County share their paths to the bench and discuss the importance of representation in a new video that highlights their personal journeys.

Former Heartland Community College baseball standout Sam Antonacci played a key role Tuesday in Houston by hitting a two-run homer and scoring on a wild pitch to help Team Italy beat Team USA 8-6 in pool play, putting Italy one win from advancing in the World Baseball Classic.

Sharin' of the Green Parade

1-3 p.m. — Uptown Normal — Donation-based — Celebrate Irish heritage by donning green and supporting local families through community donations.