Good morning, Normal.

Country Financial, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, began in Chicago (initially providing fire insurance to farmers) before moving to Bloomington in 1961 and grew to insure 1.5 million clients; it recently sold property to Growmark and Illinois State University as it uses predictive modeling to improve service.

Historian Chris Sweet says Illinois once led bike exports when factories in Chicago and Peoria powered a 1890s boom (his book 'A History of Bicycling in Illinois: 160 Years of Booms and Busts' will release early next month), showing how the craze sparked manufacturing and social change.

Bloomington’s Mayor Dan Brady said the city is exploring a downtown trolley loop — to ease long walks after the Market Street parking deck closed in winter.

City managers in Bloomington and Normal will resume shared sales tax negotiations to fund mental health programs as county talks continue.

Illinois State football is preparing for its FCS semifinal on Saturday at Villanova Stadium (Philadelphia), bringing an eight-game road win streak against FCS teams as Coach Spack recalls lessons from past postseason runs; the Wildcats hold a record 23 home wins.

Heartland Community College sophomore Graci Junis was named NJCAA DII Volleyball Player of the Year after her team won its first national title during the fall tournament (she recorded 39 kills and 53.5 points to boost the Hawks).

Santa's Station at Uptown Normal

1-4 p.m. — Uptown Normal — Free; donations appreciated — Experience holiday cheer with Santa, crafts, and music at his train depot.

Indiana State Sycamores vs. Illinois State Redbirds Men's Basketball

4-5:30 p.m. — CEFCU Arena — Watch live for free — Witness a thrilling college basketball matchup between local rivals.