For the second time this year, Italian chocolate maker Ferrero plans another expansion of roughly $214 million.… MORE
Illinois gas prices up 18 cents over the week
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Illinois gas prices continue to rise, up about 18 cents over the past week, averaging $5.62 a gallon. According to GasBuddy price reports, prices in the state are 79 cents higher than a month ago and $2.35 higher than a year ago. The national average has risen 15 cents per…… MORE
Republican candidate for governor makes stop in Bloomington
By Dave Dahl BLOOMINGTON – The reported reboot of the Richard Irvin campaign looks a lot like how it started. The Aurora mayor and Republican gubernatorial candidate is back to telling people he is Democrats’ “worst nightmare.” Irvin, speaking with sheriffs in Bloomington Friday, is also back to saying he is intimidating Gov. JB Pritzker…… MORE
ISU basketball legend visits local therapy clinic
By HOI ABC NORMAL – An Illinois State University basketball legend was in the Twin Cities Sunday to talk about the importance of a local therapy resource. Doug Collins, whose number 20 is retired by the Redbirds, held a special press conference at Marcfirst – an organization that specializes in speech & language, physical and…… MORE
Sec. of State reminding the public DMV’s are by appointment only
Ahead of the busy summer driving season, the Illinois Secretary of State is reminding the public of the rules and regulations in place at the DMV.… MORE
Volunteers needed for Special Olympics Illinois next weekend
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Thousands of Special Olympics athletes from across the state will be in Bloomington Normal to compete in the Special Olympics Illinois State Summer Games later this week. This annual event will be held predominately at Illinois State University with additional competition at Normal Community High School and Kingsley Junior High.…… MORE
Central Catholic names new athletic director
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Central Catholic High School has announced the hiring of Nate Thomas as its next athletic director. Thomas begins his duties in July, succeeding Hud Venerable, who retires on June 30 after five years with the Saints. “Nate brings with him experience at the collegiate level and is committed to Central…… MORE
State is doing more to place medical providers in areas without them
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Once Charles James starts speaking, you realize quickly why he says what he has to say is sometimes unwelcome. “We have some Third World health care statistics,” James said, “in, really, what is arguably the best health care available in the world.” James is president of both the Illinois Rural…… MORE
Global candymaker Ferrero North America set to announce another Bloomington expansion
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – Global confectionery giant Ferrero North America will be expanding by building a production center at its existing Bloomington site. The company – known for making Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, Tic Tac, and Kinder Joy – plans to unveil details of its expansion plans at a Monday news conference. An alert sent…… MORE
Illinois State University on pace to hit record numbers; over $30M raised this year
On the heels of a $5 million donation, Illinois State University is on pace to crack over $30 million raised in the past fiscal year.… MORE
Blogs
Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all
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.” …
Is federal mobilization the answer?
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…
In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans
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…
Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life
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…