Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of October.
Good morning, Normal.
💼 Business
Rivian’s micromobility spinoff, Also, unveiled its first electric bike—the TM-B starting at $4,500—on October 22 and announced plans for pedal-assist electric quads in a multiyear deal with Amazon.
Preorders are open for the bike with spring deliveries set, and Rivian, which makes its electric trucks, vans and SUVs locally, said the new products expand its micromobility range.
🎭 Culture
The 10th annual Tailgate N’ Tallboys festival will take place June 18—20 at the McLean County Fairgrounds and feature headliners Zach Top, Jessie Murph and Treaty Oak Revival along with over 25 country music acts.
Tickets will go on sale Friday at 10 a.m., and the event is the only Tailgate N’ Tallboys planned for 2026.
📰 Economy
The McLean County Chamber of Commerce hosted its fall job fair at Bloomington YMCA today from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., where 350 prospective employees met with 50 local employers including Ferrero.
The event also provided resume reviews and sign-ups for Heartland Community College’s central workplace skills program to help boost local hiring.
🎓 Education
Heartland installed the Ann Pontius Memorial Garden — named for the late teacher — on its Normal campus at 1500 W.
Raab Road to honor her contributions to the college.
University High School is showing Next to Normal today— a Pulitzer-winning musical about mental health and family issues—through October 26 in Normal.
Director Ian Guthrie and student actors worked hard to share real stories, and tickets cost $5 to $10 online and at the door.
🏛️ Government
Normal police officers will start wearing new blue-and-silver patches as part of an ongoing uniform update—supervisors will keep their gold patches to show rank.
The department is replacing bulky cotton uniforms with a stretchy, more comfortable fabric to improve mobility.
🏈 Sports
Ryan Pedon’s ISU Redbirds will play an exhibition game against Chris Collins’ Wildcats on Oct.
29 in Evanston—this contest highlights a deep family connection as Doug Collins and his kin help honor a long local basketball tradition. Collins said the two-year deal sets the stage for future games at Horton Field House and gives both teams a chance to learn in a familiar, heritage-rich environment.
🎉 Normal Events
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2025 Pumpkin Smash
10 AM – 2 PM — Rader Family Farms — Check website for costs — Smash pumpkins and learn about environmental impact through fun activities.
🏠 Normal Real Estate
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💼 Normal Job Board
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📣 Normal Announcements
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