Business and Economy

As Taylor Mathews lit the forge in his family’s metalworking shop in rural Bloomington, just behind him was an anvil from the ’80s. The 1880s.

The electric automaker Rivian already has raised billions of dollars from the likes of Amazon and Ford. Why would it want to go public?

The COVID-19 pandemic is devastating many industries, but the real estate market is thriving in the Bloomington-Normal area.

Mid-Illinois Realtors Association President Brandon Shaffer said home sales were up more than 21% in 2020 compared with the previous year. Sales of new construction also set records, he said--up 24.5%.

That boom is not expected to slow any time soon, Shaffer said.

The electric automaker Rivian has brought in another $2.65 billion in a new investment round as it prepares to begin production in Normal.

An Illinois Commerce Commission member says regulators are ready and willing to work with utilities to smooth out the road toward vehicle electrification.

A new year means new ideas, and Bloomington-Normal is generating some big ones.

Bloomington-Normal hotels saw a $25 million drop in revenue over the last year with the pandemic drastically reducing travel.

A consumer advocacy group wants auto insurers like State Farm to give back even more money to their customers who are driving less because of the pandemic.

Bloomington-Normal restaurant owners who shirked the governor's executive orders say they're being painted as villains. But they argue they should've had a seat at the table when COVID-19 mitigations were being developed.

The pandemic has hurt many small businesses, but it's been especially tough for those that rely mostly on foot traffic. The pandemic has forced many mom-and-pop businesses to learn how to sell online.

The COVID-19 pandemic's blow to the labor force might not be as devastating to the Bloomington-Normal area as originally feared.

Retirements have accelerated in the last year, as the pandemic closes businesses, cuts hours and puts workers at risk of contracting the novel coronavirus.

Bloomington will become home to an international candy maker’s first chocolate manufacturing center in the United States.

Ferrero North America has announced plans to build a $75 million expansion at its existing plant on Beich Road.

The company said the new 70,000-square foot facility will employ about 50 workers. Construction is set to begin next spring and take about two years to complete.

In Part 2 of their interview, State Farm senior vice president Annette Martinez talks to WGLT's Ryan Denham about the company's recent moves on diversity and inclusion. That includes the appointment of State Farm's first chief diversity officer over the summer.

Epiphany Farms Restaurant Group in Bloomington laid off more than 80 people Friday. Three of its four restaurants are effectively closed.

The insurance business is very competitive—and not just for customers.