EV battery plant plans scrapped

Stellantis has scrapped its plans for an electrical vehicle battery plant and parts distribution center in Belvidere.

A spokesman for the United Auto Workers told Automotive News that the battery plant and parts hub were no longer part of the company’s plan for the Belvidere Assembly Plant. In the fall of 2023, Stellantis announced that it would be investing nearly $5 billion into the facility. The project was backed by over $334 million in federal funding from the Biden administration.

Short film contest opens

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is encouraging Illinois filmmakers to enter the Illinois Film Office’s Shortcuts Short Film Contest dedicated to promoting the best short films from Illinois students or residents 22 years old or younger.

The Shortcuts winner will receive $250 and be screened at a short film festival based in Rockford scheduled for November.

 Pope bobblehead revealed 

The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has unveiled the first bobbleheads commemorating Illinois-native Pope Leo XIV. The bobbleheads sell for $30 with $8 shipping.

The Dolton native joins other Chicago figures enshrined in bobblehead form, including Barack and Michelle Obama and fellow religious icon Sister Jean from Loyola University.