Good morning, Bloomington.

The Town of Normal received over $2.8 million in grants for 2025 to boost safety, infrastructure, library services and community arts; the largest grant exceeds $2 million for replacing a culvert on Vernon Avenue + additional funds support housing, sustainability and art programs.

Rivian's Autonomy & AI Day in Palo Alto boosted its stock to a near two-year high Friday after CEO RJ Scaringe explained plans to boost hands-free driving from 135,000 to 3.5 million miles; upcoming models in Normal will offer point-to-point tech and an Autonomy package.

Anneka Fraser hosted a pizza party at Illinois Wesleyan today for international students, offering a warm welcome and a chance to connect over pizza.

Gov. Pritzker announced $2M in homelessness grants (State’s Home Illinois grant) for community groups in Central Illinois while an IDPH report shows rising alcohol-related fatalities and the Secretary of State launched remote court e-filings yesterday.

McLean County is expanding mental health training funded by shared sales tax while approving new solar safety regulations and progressing on a strategic plan to guide operations — a draft plan is open for public review and talks continue with Bloomington and Normal over tax share usage.

ISU announced that the North Gym at Horton Field House is now the Doug and Kathy Collins Gymnasium and the athletic leadership suite at CEFCU Arena has been renamed in their honor.

The board approved the changes to recognize the basketball legend and his wife.

Bloomington Bison vs. Fort Wayne Komets

7-8:30 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — Cost info not specified — Catch the thrilling hockey match as the Bloomington Bison face off against the Fort Wayne Komets.

Kalamazoo Wings at Bloomington Bison

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Grossinger Motors Arena — $3 drinks, $0 popcorn, $9 pizza — Wear your ugliest holiday sweater and help set a world record while enjoying 309 Night festivities.