Good morning, Normal.

Home Sweet Home Ministries has opened its hotline for Thanksgiving meals — it will deliver about 500 meals on November 27 to support those in need.

At the Bridgestone plant in Normal, fewer workers than first expected are leaving because 60-64 employees chose a $35,000 buyout over layoffs.

The workers will depart on various dates through the end of the year & the plant will switch to eight-hour shifts five days a week starting in November to adapt to global market pressures.

Starting in November, the Pantagraph will stop printing its Monday edition and will offer a free digital version to print subscribers while continuing Tuesday through Sunday print editions—this move follows a trend of newsrooms cutting costs as readers shift to digital content.

Bloomington-Normal’s manufacturing sector grew with new investments from Rivian, Ferrero and Brandt Industries as local leaders used tax incentives and workforce training from Heartland Community College—helping to triple jobs in five years and raise wages five times.

Local officials expect more jobs—adding to a stronger local economy.

At a grain tour in Bloomington, Jerry Costello of the Department of Agriculture warned that if China does not resume buying soybeans due to current tariffs, Illinois soybean farmers could face bankruptcy.

Last year, China purchased $1.4 billion in soybeans—no sales have occurred this year, and tariffs have also increased costs for farm equipment and disrupted long-held trade relationships.

State Senator Dave Koehler secured nearly $98 million in funds to improve roads, bridges and transportation systems in central Illinois including Peoria, Bloomington and Normal (part of the Rebuild Illinois Program).

The money (from a $50.6 billion multi-year program) will help fix daily commutes and update our critical infrastructure.

William Bessler, the grants manager for Bloomington, announced his 2026 bid to fill the McLean County Board seat for District 4, which covers west and northwest Normal.

He said he will apply to finish the term after board member Krystle Able resigned when she moved out of the district.

Central Illinois airport leaders said they do not expect travel delays today because federal workers like TSA screeners and air traffic controllers continue working—despite not yet receiving pay amid the shutdown, though officials warned that a month-long shutdown could strain these essential employees. The officials noted that projects funded by user fees are not affected by the ongoing government shutdown.

McLean County Behavioral Health Coordination will host its eighth annual community behavioral health forum on November 6 to help destigmatize behavioral health topics—attendees will learn about mental health support resources.

The Bloomington Bison Contest Rules were released on October 3 at 2:09 p.m., and Rfd Profit Watch aired (3:00 to 4:00 p.m.) yesterday as part of the contest event.

Oktoberfest Rotary Run

2-4 p.m. — Union Park — Fundraiser entry — Participate in the Annual Oktoberfest 5K Run and 1 mile Fun Walk to support local youth services.