Business and Economy

The final tally of job cuts at the Bridgestone Firestone plant in Normal is less than first thought. And United Steelworkers Union Local 787 President Jason Beckett said it does not involve layoffs.

In Part 3 of our weeklong series about local manufacturing, WGLT visits a Bloomington company that serves both farms and the armed forces with made-to-order circuit boards.

Members of the Illinois Trucking Association heard from an industry leader and a military veteran at their annual meeting this week in Normal.

Dabrona Alzebdieh and her son Joshua opened South of Chicago Groceries across the street from Miller Park in Bloomington, after seeing the neighborhood lacked a place to get fresh food nearby.

Rivian isn't saying how many employees at the Normal plant will be affected, but a source familiar with the matter tells WGLT nine jobs are being cut in Normal.

In an email obtained by WGLT, the insurer says "if and when" changes are needed, the company will start with voluntary staff reductions whenever possible, but did not rule out the possibility of layoffs.

Julie Bickelhaupt is a farmer and chair of the Carroll County Board, a rural county along the Mississippi River border with Iowa. She said she’s running to lower costs for Americans, support farmers and strengthen education.

The Normal Town Council has reviewed elements of a new strategic plan and approved changes to the Enterprise Zone that would offer development incentives in portions of Bloomington-Normal, including Bloomington's under-performing Eastland Mall.

There will be a significant workforce reduction at the Bridgestone Off-the-Road Tire Plant in Normal. Neither the company nor the United Steelworkers union representing workers could provide a precise number of jobs targeted.

'Tis the season for political candidates to firm up plans to run for party primaries next year. Dillan Vancil is running for Congress as a Republican in the 17th district. That U.S. House seat is currently held by Democrat Eric Sorensen.