Good morning, Normal.

Rivian confirmed Thursday it cut about 600 jobs—4.5% of its workforce—as part of a reorganization that merged teams in vehicle delivery, service, and marketing, and a spokesperson said no manufacturing roles in Normal were affected.

The move follows an earlier round of layoffs and comes as the company scales for its new R2 model.

Illinois State University held town hall meetings this week to present a new budget framework that tracks revenue by enrollment and will launch next July.

The flexible model helps colleges adjust spending slowly with temporary subsidies—designed to stabilize programs facing lower enrollment.

The Illinois Community College Board announced on Thursday that statewide enrollment increased by 3.7% this fall to 274,737 students, with local schools like Illinois Central College and Heartland Community College reporting higher head counts.

Gov. JB Pritzker said the rise shows the state’s commitment to making education more accessible—helping more students find a pathway to success.

State lawmakers will consider adding battery storage to an energy omnibus bill called the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act next week at the Capitol.

Some lawmakers say the plan will help keep the grid stable and create jobs, but others want developers to cover costs so consumers do not pay more (debate on financing continues).

Leaders from both parties sent strong condolences to the Bailey family after four members died in a helicopter crash in Montana on Wednesday.

Former state Sen. Darren Bailey said his son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren died and his 10-year-old grandson was safe.

McLean County Regional Planning Commission is hosting two in-person and one virtual open house to gather public feedback on the Veterans Parkway Corridor Plan — the sessions invite local residents to share ideas on roadway improvements.

2025 Pumpkin Smash

10 AM – 2 PM — Rader Family Farms — Check website for costs — Smash pumpkins and learn about environmental impact through fun activities.