By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – Ferrero Group has broken ground on the company’s first chocolate processing facility outside of Europe and one of only three production facilities in the world — in Bloomington. A state release says the expansion of Ferrero’s presence in Illinois will bring a $75 million investment in the region, up to…… MORE
The investigation into the death of Illinois State University graduate student Jelani Day continues after a dive team found no clues in the Illinois River.… MORE
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Those looking to get a flu shot can do so at a drive-through clinic in Bloomington. OSF PromptCare has scheduled two clinics, one on Monday Oct. 18, and the other on Tuesday, Nov. 2, both from 4-6 p.m. Shots will be given under the canopy at the entrance of Eastland…… MORE
By USDA (Weekly Progress Report) There were 4.2 days suitable for field work during the week ending October 10, 2021. Statewide, the average temperature was 68.8 degrees, 12.2 above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.88 inches, 0.21 above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 4 percent very short, 17 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 5 percent…… MORE
Portillo’s, with restaurants in Peoria and Normal, said it hopes to earn as much as $405.4 million when it sells company stock to the public, and the company is making known just how much it plans to grow in the years ahead.… MORE
Due to rising cases in COVID-19 in the Heyworth School District, leaders are moving elementary students to an online format for the time being.… MORE
Due to the pandemic, Beer Nuts will not reopen their company store but move the salty snacks to an online format.… MORE
Two people from Central Illinois face charges after a high-speed chase in McLean County a few weeks ago.… MORE
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – Illinois State University is celebrating 100 years of homecoming with plenty of events throughout the week leading up to the football game Saturday afternoon against North Dakota State. On Saturday morning, the “Town and Gown 5K” is making its return in a hybrid format this year. Rachel Kobus is the…… MORE
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington’s new police chief revealed more about his background Monday while speaking publicly for the first time to the city council. Jamal Simington said he understands first-hand the impact of violent crime. Simington said his father was shot to death in 1975 in a killing that remains unsolved. “That experience…… MORE
By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …
By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…
By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…
Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…