Food

WGLT's partnership with students at Normal Community High School lead in part to this story — about trends in fusion food at restaurants in Bloomington-Normal.

Rachele Ackerman noticed her 4-year old son, Jackson, felt constant pain in his stomach and was growing slower than his peers. So, Ackerman took her son to multiple doctors to find what was wrong. It wasn’t until one doctor recommended a visit to the gastroenterologist that progress was made.

Illinois was approved for $43 million in federal reimbursement funds for two food programs designed to strengthen statewide food systems. But when the Trump administration took office it informed the state, without explanation, that the remaining $17.8 million in federal agriculture reimbursements still owed to Illinois would cease after Jan. 19, 2025.

Everything in moderation.

Kobe Revolving Sushi Bar offers a first-of-its-kind dining experience for Bloomington-Normal residents. A two-level conveyor belt system delivers Japanese morsels directly to the patron.

Candy maker Ferrero may not be done growing in Bloomington-Normal even though the company's new $214 million chocolate plant is now officially open.

Relish Me — one of six Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles — is in Bloomington-Normal for 48 hours. Hotdogger Sarah "Sarahkraut" Oney said it's the people who "bring the Wienermobile to life."

Illinois State University is partnering with State Farm to pack one million meals in one day for Illinois families facing food insecurity.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen said a bipartisan bill he's co-sponsoring to reduce fentanyl smuggling at the southern border would also help suppress gun smuggling.

Normal Mayor Chris Koos said adding specific protections from discrimination for transgender and non-binary people to the town human relations ordinance is a necessary public signal.