Good morning, Normal.

On Saturday, Aug. 9, several roads—North Street from Uptown Circle to Fell Avenue, Broadway between the alley and the Post Office, Uptown Circle, Constitution Boulevard from Uptown Circle to Mulberry Street, Beaufort Street from Uptown Circle to Linden Street, and parts of Trail East and Trail West parking lots—will be closed starting at 2 p.m. for Cruisin’ Uptown Normal, a free event that will display classic and modern cars from 4 to 8 p.m.; the streets are expected to reopen around 9 p.m. after the event ends.

Rivian said US trade policy changes and a drop in regulatory credit sales hurt its earnings, with production falling 37% last quarter and a $206 million loss recorded.

The automaker will start making its lower-cost R2 model in Normal in the first half of next year and will shut its main plant for three weeks in September to ready a new 1.1 million square foot building—moves that target an annual output of 215,000 vehicles.

Grove Street Bakery will remain open under new ownership—announced on Facebook by its owners—and will keep serving local customers in Normal.

Ferrero, known for its Nutella and Kinder brands, plans to buy the century-old Kellogg for about $3.1 billion, with the sale expected to close by the end of this year.

A Ferrero spokesperson said no further details were provided about changes to operations in Bloomington—where the company has expanded its facilities in recent years.

A Bloomington man—accused of breaking a woman's jaw—was detained in McLean County while he was on conditional discharge for another domestic violence offense.

Central Illinois homeowners, renters and business owners are facing sharply higher electric bills this summer as power supply costs spike and some bills rise by up to 35%.

Ameren said the extra charge is temporary and bills will return to normal around Oct. 1—bringing relief to customers.

Governor Pritzker signed a new law last Friday that restricts carbon capture near the Mahomet Aquifer to protect drinking water for nearly a million people.

The law takes effect January 1 and creates a task force—partnering with the Prairie Research Institute—to study risks with a report due by the end of 2030.

McLean County election authorities explained how they update voter rolls by purging outdated registrations every two years after the DOJ requested statewide election procedures last month.

County clerk Kathy Michael said she expects the DOJ to call her office Monday so the county can be cleared from a list noting missing confirmation notices—Bloomington’s Election Commission was not included on that list.

Corn Crib Pro Rodeo

7-9 p.m. — The Corn Crib — Family-friendly fun — Experience thrilling bull riding and bronc riding at this inaugural rodeo event in Normal, IL.

Paint Nite at BloNo Pizza Co.

6:30-8:30 p.m. — BloNo Pizza Co. — Supplies included — Create memories and masterpieces while being guided by a professional artist.

Hello Bob Live Concert

11 PM — Uptown Circle — Free entry — Enjoy 80’s alternative hits performed by local band Hello Bob.

Day of the Dozer

10 AM – 4 PM — McLean County Fairgrounds — Adults are FREE — Kids get to drive heavy construction equipment with professional guidance in a safe environment.