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Rivian Begins Production of R2 Electric Vehicle at Illinois Plant
Developing
Business·4/22/2026AI summary

Rivian Begins Production of R2 Electric Vehicle at Illinois Plant

Rivian has started production of its new R2 all-electric vehicle at its Normal, Illinois plant, with customer deliveries scheduled for later this spring. The $58,000 launch model features a 330-mile range and dual motors, while a more affordable $45,000 version won't arrive until late 2027. The company aims to attract more buyers and achieve profitability with this less expensive EV, which resembles its flagship R1 SUV.

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CNBC
Rivian Rolls Out First R2 SUVs Despite Tornado Damage at Illinois Factory
Developing
Business·4/22/2026AI summary

Rivian Rolls Out First R2 SUVs Despite Tornado Damage at Illinois Factory

Rivian has begun producing customer-ready R2 SUVs at its Normal, Illinois factory just days after an EF-1 tornado damaged the facility. CEO RJ Scaringe said the company does not expect any delays to the R2 rollout, which is critical to Rivian's path to profitability. The launch edition R2 starts at $57,990, with a $53,990 variant coming by year-end and a $45,000 base model expected in late 2027. Rivian aims to deliver 20,000-25,000 units by end of 2026.

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TechCrunch
Rivian Factory Hit by EF-1 Tornado in Normal, Illinois
Developing
Business·4/20/2026AI summary

Rivian Factory Hit by EF-1 Tornado in Normal, Illinois

Rivian's Normal, Illinois factory was hit by an EF-1 tornado over the weekend, damaging Building 2 where the R2 SUV is manufactured. Operations are paused with plans to resume this week. No injuries were reported, though the company hasn't confirmed whether this will impact the R2's upcoming launch. The R2 is critical to Rivian's path to profitability, with the company targeting 20,000-25,000 units sold by year-end.

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TechCrunch
Beatles House Where George Harrison Stayed in 1963 Listed for Sale in Illinois
Culture
4/19/2026AI summary

Beatles House Where George Harrison Stayed in 1963 Listed for Sale in Illinois

The house at 113 McCann Street in Benton, Illinois, where George Harrison stayed while visiting his sister's family in September 1963 before the Beatles' US debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, is now for sale for $105,000. The five-bedroom bungalow, saved from demolition in 1995 by activists including Harrison's sister Louise, was operated as a Beatles-themed bed-and-breakfast from 1996-2010. Fans and local historians worry about the property's future as interest in preserving the historic site appears to have faded.

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ABC News