All articles tagged with #bloomington normal
Five tornadoes struck McLean County Friday night, all rated EF1 with winds up to 110 mph, mainly affecting Bloomington and Normal. The National Weather Service is continuing surveys to map the five tracks, while additional tornadoes were reported in Stephenson and Winnebago counties, including EF2 in Stephenson; more surveys are planned across surrounding counties.
A severe storm in McLean County damaged a Rivian plant site and knocked out power for thousands in Bloomington-Normal. While tornado warnings were issued and multiple potential tornadoes were reported, the National Weather Service had not confirmed a tornado as of reporting. No serious injuries were reported, and emergency crews continued responding and coordinating cleanup as power restoration efforts proceed and residents are urged to stay safe around downed lines.
State Farm will close its Corporate Headquarters and Illinois Operations Center in Bloomington by the end of 2027, consolidating about 13,000 local employees into Corporate South to reduce underutilized space. The move may affect local tax revenue (HQ about $3.2 million and Ops Center about $979,116 annually) and Bloomington’s commercial real estate, with no firm plans yet for the vacated properties. The company says it will push toward more in-person work, with Corporate South able to accommodate all employees; about 60% of staff are hybrid today, which could boost local activity as people return to the office.
The Bloomington Bison, the newest expansion team in the ECHL, will begin play in the 2024-25 season and is owned by Hallett Sports and Entertainment, with a logo and name paying homage to the Bloomington-Normal community's history. The team will play at the Grossinger Motors Arena and is offering an exclusive deal for the first 1,000 full season ticket holders.