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Articles by Nicholas Thompson
Redbirds’ Historic Season Ends in WNIT Championship Loss
Image courtesy of Illinois State Athletics NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State Redbirds women’s basketball made its first appearance in the WNIT Championship game in program history on Saturday, taking on Marshall Thundering Herd. It wasn’t the outcome the Redbirds wanted, as they fell 66 to 41. It was a tough night for Illinois State, struggling offensively while shooting 14-for-48 from the field and just 3-for-17 from three-point range.
Redbirds Face Marshall in WNIT Championship
Image courtesy of Illinois State Athletics NORMAL Ill.– Illinois State women’s basketball is in Huntington, West Virginia today to take on Marshall in the WNIT Championship game. Illinois State comes into the game with a 24–13 overall record and has been on fire all postseason, picking up wins against UT Rio Grande Valley, Abilene Christian, George Washington, and South Dakota.
Redbirds Set to Host George Washington in WNIT Great 8
Image courtesy of Illinois State Athletics NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State women’s basketball continues its postseason run as the Redbirds will host George Washington tonight in the WNIT Great 8. Illinois State and George Washington will meet for the first time in program history Monday evening. The Redbirds are coming off a hard-fought 59–55 win over Abilene Christian Wildcats on Friday night.
Redbirds Rally Past Abilene Christian, Advance to WNIT Great 8
Image courtesy of Illinois State Athletics NORMAL, Ill. — Trailing by 13 points after the first quarter and down ten with just five minutes remaining, the Illinois State women’s basketball team stormed back Friday night to defeat Abilene Christian 59–55 in the WNIT Super 16 from CEFCU Arena. The Redbirds struggled to get going early, falling behind by 13 points in the first quarter, which forced head coach Kristen Gillespie to call an early timeout. Gillespie’s message to her team was simple.
Illinois State Women’s Basketball Earns WNIT Bid
Image courtesy of Illinois State Women’s Basketball social media NORMAL, Ill. — For the sixth straight season, Illinois State Redbirds women’s basketball will be playing in the postseason. The Redbirds were selected to compete in the 28th annual Women’s National Invitation Tournament. Last year, ISU was just one game away from the championship game but fell to Troy 99–96. The Redbirds will be making their 17th appearance all-time in the WNIT and their fifth under head coach Kristen Gillespie.
Redbird Women's Basketball Looks to Stay Hot on the Road at Valparaiso
Image courtesy of Illinois State Women’s Basketball social media NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State Redbirds women’s basketball will hit the road this afternoon as they travel to Indiana to take on the Valparaiso Beacons women’s basketball in Missouri Valley Conference action. Illinois State comes into the game fresh off a win over Southern Illinois. The Redbirds enter today’s contest with a 17–11 overall record and an 11–6 mark in MVC play.
Redbirds Dominate Salukis 78–60, Finish 14–1 at Home - WZND Fuzed Radio
Image courtesy of Illinois State Women’s Basketball social media NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State women’s basketball wrapped up its home schedule last night, hosting conference rival Southern Illinois at CEFCU Arena. The Redbirds defeated the Salukis 78–60 to split the season series and get some revenge after Southern Illinois knocked off ISU 84–64 back on February 13th.
Redbirds Host MVC-Leading Murray State on Senior Day
Image courtesy of Illinois State Women’s Basketball social media NORMAL, Ill. — It’s senior day at CEFCU Arena as the Illinois State Redbirds women’s basketball team returns home this afternoon to take on Missouri Valley Conference leader Murray State. The Redbirds look to defend their home court against one of the top teams in the conference. Illinois State comes into the game after picking up a huge overtime win Friday against Belmont.
Illinois State Defeats Belmont in Overtime, Improves to 13–0 at Home - WZND Fuzed Radio
Image courtesy of Illinois State Women’s Basketball social media NORMAL, IL – The Illinois State Redbirds women’s basketball team was home at CEFCU Arena last night as to take on conference opponent Belmont Bruins basketball. The Redbirds entered the game with a 15–10 overall record on the season and a 9–5 mark in conference play. Belmont came into the matchup with a 16–9 overall record and an impressive 12–2 record in conference play.
Redbirds Look to Bounce Back Against Evansville
Image courtesy of Illinois State Women’s Basketball social media NORMAL Ill.– Illinois State women’s basketball will look to get back on the right track today as they take on the Evansville Purple Aces on the road, after dropping a game to Southern Illinois on Friday. The Redbirds enter the game having won four of their last five. Illinois State holds a 14–10 overall record and is 8–5 in conference play.
Redbirds Fall to Southern Illinois 84–60 - WZND Fuzed Radio
Image courtesy of Illinois State Women’s Basketball social media NORMAL, Ill.– The Illinois State women’s basketball team suffered an 84–60 loss to Missouri Valley Conference rival Southern Illinois Friday night in Carbondale, Illinois. With the loss, the Redbirds fall to 14–10 on the season and 8–5 in conference play, while Southern Illinois improves to 9–13 overall and 6–7 in MVC play. It was a tough night offensively for Illinois State, as the team shot just 22-for-59 from the field (37%).
Doneelah Washington Taking Big Leap in Sophomore Season
Image courtesy of Illinois State Women’s Basketball social media NORMAL, Ill. – Sophomore forward Doneelah Washington is putting together an impressive season for Illinois State women’s basketball, with plenty of games still left to be played this season. Washington has taken a big step forward in her second year with the Redbirds, becoming a consistent presence on both ends of the floor. She currently leads the team in scoring and rebounding averaging 16 points and nearly nine rebounds per game.
I-74 Rivalry Takes Center Stage at CEFCU Arena
Image courtesy of Illinois State Women’s Basketball social media NORMAL, Ill. – The I-74 rivalry is back in action this afternoon as the Illinois State Redbirds women’s basketball team takes on the Bradley Braves in the program’s annual Play4Kay game, an event where Illinois State has had strong success raising funds for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund in support of cancer research and awareness. This matchup between the Redbirds and the Braves marks the 89th meeting between Illinois State and Bradley.
Illinois State Secures Key 59–55 Victory Over Northern Iowa - WZND Fuzed Radio
NORMAL, Ill. — After an 8–8 tie at the end of the first quarter and closing out the first half with a slim 20–19 lead, the Redbirds went on to defeat Northern Iowa 59–55 in a low-scoring defensive battle. It was a tough shooting night for both teams, as Northern Iowa finished 21-for-58 from the field while Illinois State shot 19-for-51. The difference in the game came at the free-throw line. Northern Iowa went 6-for-10 from the stripe, while the Redbirds knocked down 13 of their 16 attempts.
Redbirds Look to Extend Win Streak Against UIC
NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State women’s basketball will be on the road tonight in Chicago to face UIC. The Redbirds are on a three-game winning streak and come into the game with a 10–8 overall record and a 4–3 mark in conference play. On the other hand, UIC comes into the game on a one-game skid after losing to Southern Illinois in their last matchup. UIC has an 8–10 overall record on the season and a 3–4 record in conference play.
ISU Women's Basketball remains unbeaten at home, defeating winless Valparaiso
Image courtesy of Illinois State Women’s Basketball social media NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State women’s basketball was back in action Thursday night, hosting the Valparaiso Beacons in Missouri Valley Conference play. The Redbirds came out on top 93-74. The Redbirds showed up ready to play, with four players scoring in double figures.
Redbirds Open Valley Play Against Northern Iowa
Image courtesy of Illinois State Women’s Basketball social media NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State women’s basketball will be back in action Wednesday night on the road in Cedar Falls, Iowa, to play Northern Iowa. The Redbirds come into the matchup with a 4–4 record and will look to bounce back after dropping three straight last week in the Puerto Rico Shootout. During that three-game stretch, ISU fell to Rice, East Carolina, and Wake Forest.
ISU Women’s Basketball Travels to Chicago for Showdown With Loyola
Image courtesy of Illinois State Women’s Basketball social media NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois State women’s basketball is on the road in Chicago today as the Redbirds take on former Missouri Valley Conference member Loyola Chicago. The two programs will meet for the 26th time in series history, and it marks the first time since 2022 that the Redbirds and Ramblers will face each other. Illinois State holds a 17–8 all-time advantage in the series.
Redbirds Roll Past Chicago State 101–52 on Education Day - WZND Fuzed Radio
NORMAL, Ill. –Illinois State women’s basketball hosted Chicago State on Wednesday morning for Education Day at CEFCU Arena. With more than 5,000 local middle school and junior high students in attendance, the Redbirds fed off that energy from the start, jumping out to a 20-4 lead in the first quarter and never looking back in a 101-52 win.
The most heated rivalries in English football
Sport / 6 November 2025 List From the South Coast to North London – the low-down on the fiercest head-to-heads in football The North London derby is set for another edition on Sunday 23 November at the Emirates. Arsenal are currently flying high as runaway league leaders, while Spurs have a mixed bag at the beginning of Thomas Frank’s reign. Spurs vs Arsenal undoubtedly one of the biggest derbies in English football, but what other rivalries give the NLD a run for it’s money?
Redbirds Open Season With Team Win Over Dayton
NORMAL, Ill.- Illinois State women’s basketball tipped off its 2025-26 season Monday night against Dayton at CEFCU Arena. The Redbirds had four players finish in double figures. Sophomore forward Doneelah Washington led the way with 21 points on a perfect 8-for-8 shooting night. Senior Addison Martin added 20 points, while sophomore point guard Trista Fayta filled the stat sheet with 19 points and 10 assists, earning a double-double in the season opener.
Five Bloomington-Normal Teams Set for IHSA Playoff Runs
Image courtesy of Bloomington Central Catholic social media NORMAL, Ill. — Nine hard-fought football games are in the books, and now it’s time for playoff football. All five Bloomington-Normal area teams have earned postseason berths, each looking to make a deep run toward a state championship. Bloomington Central Catholic completed a perfect 9-0 regular season, earning a spot in the class 3A playoffs.
Central Catholic’s Valshun Powe fuels unbeaten run, commits to ISU
NORMAL, Ill. —Bloomington-Normal native Valshun Powe has taken the area’s high school football scene by storm. The dynamic athlete for Bloomington Central Catholic has been the driving force behind the Saints’ offense this season, delivering explosive performances that have helped lead his team to a perfect 7-0 record and a commanding spot in the conference race. With the Saints off to a perfect start this season, Powe shared why he believes the team has had so much success.
Ironmen Look to Clinch Playoff Spot Against Red-Hot Bloomington
NORMAL, Ill. – The Normal Community Ironmen have put themselves in prime position to make the playoffs. Sitting at 4–1 through the first half of the season, the Ironmen need just one more win to officially clinch a playoff berth. Head coach Jason Drengwitz highlighted his team’s strong start to the season and shared what has impressed him the most. “To start the year, I felt like we were a little inexperienced in a lot of different positions.
NORMAL, Ill. – Just before the start of the season, University High head coach Brody Walworth shared his expectations for his team. Now four games in, with the Pioneers sitting at 2–2, Walworth reflected on his squad’s performance and growth so far. U-High opened the year with a statement win over Manuel in Week 1 before dropping back-to-back games against Bloomington Central Catholic and MacArthur. Last week, the Pioneers bounced back in a big way, shutting out Lincoln 47–0 to even their record.
Normal West Prepares for 3-0 Bloomington Central Catholic
NORMAL, Ill. – The Normal West Wildcats are off to a 2–1 start this season, and head coach Nathan Fincham believes his team is showing steady growth through the first three weeks. “Taking a look at how we came out to start the season, I thought we came out very well and prepared,” Fincham said. “Week 2 we had to play our crosstown rival, Normal Community. Playing them that early in the season is always a little difficult.
Bloomington Central Catholic Faces 2–0 Tolono Unity Friday Night - WZND Fuzed Radio
NORMAL, Ill. – Bloomington Central Catholic couldn’t have asked for a better start to its season. After cruising to a 59–0 win in Week 2, the Saints now turn their attention to a Friday night showdown with Tolono Unity, another unbeaten team looking to stay perfect. The Saints have been sharp on both sides of the ball. Head coach Kevin Braucht credits his team’s work ethic and steady improvement for the early success.
NORMAL, Ill. – Coming off a dominant 40-7 win in Week 1, the Bloomington High School football team is riding high into its next challenge. Head coach Niall Mulcahy praised his squad’s performance in the opener but knows Week 2 will bring a new test. The Purple Raiders travel to face University High, a team that lit up the scoreboard with 71 points in its own season debut. Mulcahy said his players need to stay disciplined, focused and communicate to keep pace with the Pioneers’ explosive offense.
U-High Football Looks to Build on 10-Win Campaign
NORMAL, Ill. – With the high school football season set to kick off this weekend, University High School head coach Brody Walworth shared his expectations for the Pioneers as they prepare for another year on the gridiron. Walworth emphasized the importance of building a program rooted in values and discipline, saying his team’s success will come from more than just talent on the field. “In our program we have four core values: family, service, relentless, and excellence,” Walworth said.
Pi Sigma Epsilon and Alpha Gamma Delta host first-ever Reggie Games
Image courtesy of the official Reggie Games Instagram page NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University’s Pi Sigma Epsilon business fraternity and Alpha Gamma Delta sorority teamed up at Hancock Stadium to host the first-ever “Reggie Games,” an event inspired by the popular Netflix series Squid Game. The Marketing Analytics Chair of Pi Sigma Epsilon Dylan Moss shared the purpose behind Reggie Games.
ISU Police Department introduces a new therapy dog to campus
NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State Police Department has introduced its new therapy dog, Pawfficer Korg, to ISU’s campus. Following his predecessor Pawfficer Sage, Korg’s main job is to support students and faculty on campus with transitional and emotional needs. “Pawfficer Korg’s job is simply to make people smile.
Director of Arts and Entertainments reflects on the community impact of the Bloomington Bison
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – One of the reasons the Bloomington Bison got brought to town was to boost inner city spending. Now, with their inaugural season in the books, Bloomington’s Director of Arts And Entertainment, Anthony Nelson, is already seeing the impact. “Downtown businesses and the arena’s anchor tent have done wonders for foot traffic before and after games,” Nelson said. “Restaurants and hotel revenue are up.
World War II veteran's remains returns to Bloomington
Image courtesy of ISU Army ROTC BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – In 1943, Private First Class Robert Bryant was reported Missing In Action while fighting in Italy during World War II. He was a Bloomington resident, and now after 81 years, his remains will finally be returned to his family. Wayne Kirkpatrick is a member of Rolling Thunder, a national organization concerned with the treatment of veterans. He sees repatriations like this one as vitally important.
Bloomington Bison Media Director reflects on inaugural season and beyond
Image courtesy of the Bloomington Bison BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – With the first-ever Bloomington Bison season coming to a close, Director of Media Relations & Broadcasting Andy Zilch is reflecting on the team’s first year and shares what’s next for the franchise. “With this being the first season, it obviously posed different challenges. I think our front office staff responded to those challenges very well and were able to deal with the curveballs that came our way,” Zilch said.
ISU Office of Sustainability Graduate Assistant talks about April being Environmental Awareness Month
Image Courtesy of Illinois State University NORMAL, Ill. – April is environmental awareness month. Graduate Assistant for the Office of Sustainability, Ryleigh Hickman talked about sustainability efforts and why climate management matters. “We do a lot of composting around campus and try to make switches for more environmentally friendly items,” Hickman said.
Results of the 2025 consolidated election
The Consolidated election for McLean County took place today, April 1. Out of the 66,268 voters registered in McLean County, 16,874 cast their ballot in this election, resulting in about a 25.46% voter turnout rate. The McLean County proposition to impose a countywide school sales tax was passed with 9,041 votes in Bloomington and 8,374 votes from the rest of McLean County. Normal Mayor Chris Koos won by 45.85% of the vote. Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady won by 48% of the vote.
UFISU Union Representative explains what the faculty is fighting for amid potential strike
Image courtesy of the UFISU official Instagram page NORMAL, Ill. – Conversation about a possible strike on Illinois State University’s campus has swept through university classrooms for the past few weeks after members of the United Faculty of ISU (UFISU) voted to support a strike if President Tarhule and the ISU administration refuse to reach a fair agreement of contract terms on March 21. Bargaining for the contract between UFISU and the university’s administration has been ongoing since Feb.
HCC and ISU host Southeast Asian Cultural Festival
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University and Heartland Community College are collaborating to host the Southeast Asian Cultural Festival from April 1 to April 4, offering students and community members an opportunity to explore the vibrant cultures of Southeast Asia. HCC Study Abroad Coordinator Zachary Petrea, shared insights into the planning process and the festival’s significance. “This is the third year this festival will be taking place,” Petrea said.
UFISU contract negotiation status
Image courtesy of the UFISU official Instagram page NORMAL, Ill. – After 13.5 hours of bargaining at yesterday’s meeting, the United Faculty of Illinois State University reached three tentative agreements on noneconomic issues. Workload, Assignment of Duties and Identification of Union Representatives have all been resolved between the parties according to the most recent university press release.
ISU hosts self defense classes taught by Campus Police
Image courtesy of Redbird Life NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State Police Department is leading a no touch introductory self defense class. Redbird Aware begins with an hour and a half long presentation and discussion of safety and prevention tips, followed by an hour of learning stances and moves aimed at startling an aggressor and get to safety.
City Council Member Cody Hendricks runs for Mayor of Bloomington
Image Courtesy of Illinois State University NORMAL, Ill. – City Council Member Cody Hendricks is running for Mayor of Bloomington in the upcoming municipal election. He explained his biggest goal if elected and how he plans to translate his council experience to the mayor position. “I’ve been on the council for two and a half years now,” Hendricks said. “You know some of the big accomplishments would be around the downtown streetscape plan.
Red Note Music Festival returns to ISU
Image courtesy of the Red Note Music Festival’s official Instagram page NORMAL, Ill. – The Red Note Music Festival is coming back to ISU this week featuring composition contests and professional musician performances. Red Note Music Festival Director Carl Schimmel shared what the planning process is like, who will be performing and what the event entails for ISU Students. “We plan the festival about a year in advance, planning takes up most of the year,” Schimmel said.
Articles Tagged with: nesd -- ANS
Applications for the 2025 Nuclear Engineering Student Delegation (NESD) are now open. Student delegates have a unique opportunity to directly engage with policymakers in Washington, D.C., educating them on and advocating for nuclear energy initiatives of critical importance to the United States. Sometimes it feels like we're fighting an uphill battle for nuclear energy - and perhaps we are.
Image courtesy of the official Heartland Community College website NORMAL, Ill. – Heartland Community College is bringing back its most laughable fundraiser to raise money for various student programs. The HCC Funnyrasier Comedy Night will raise money for the Foundation Funding Priorities (FFPs), including the Night Hawks evening child care program, the Student Emergency Fund, and Project RISE for low-income students.
“Next To Normal Story Slam” Encourages Community Engagement
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — “Next To Normal Story Slam” sparks local conversation about community engagement. Devon Lovell, co-host and coordinator of Next to Normal, created the event in 2018 as a platform for the community to share stories. “The idea behind it is to build community and find common ground,” Lovell said. Lovell, who spent much of her commute from Chicago to Bloomington listening to public media, drew inspiration from The Moth and Snap Judgment. “They’re all story vehicles,” Lovell said.
Normal Theatre to host Black History and Women's History Month Series'
Image courtesy of the Normal Theater Instagram page NORMAL, Ill. – The Normal Theatre is partnering with Illinois State University campus organizations to celebrate Black History Month and Women’s History Month throughout February and March. African American Studies and the Queer Coalition each approached the Theatre with individual ideas for series’, resulting in the Black History Month series and the “In Her Image” series which will focus a lot on the history and work of queer women.
NORMAL, Ill. – The College of Applied Science and Technology program CAST Connections held an event to spread the love this Valentine’s Day. Cards of Hope allowed students to create valentines for people impacted by traumatic events. Event creator John Munn explained how the event started and where the cards are going. “Cards of Hope got started as Cards for a Cause, a program from the First Gen Fellows, another CAST Connections Program,” Munn said.
University Housing Services searches for new residential solutions
NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State University has canceled its plans for a new residence hall, but other housing options are still in the works. University President Aondover Tarhule announced that the project was not moving forward at the State of the University address last semester. According to University Housing Services Assistant Marketing Director Hillary Campos, the reasons are fairly obvious. “It’s very out in the open that the budget is seen as a potential hurdle right now,” Campos said.
University Galleries to host Image of Research Competition
NORMAL, Ill. – The sixth annual Image of Research Exhibit will take place Thursday February 13, at University Galleries in Uptown Normal. Event Organizer Gina Hunt explained what people can expect from the event. ‘The exhibition will feature images created by ISU undergraduate and graduate students researchers who are all finalists in this year’s competition,” Hunt said.
Bloomington City Council Member discusses what's on the docket for the near future
Photo courtesy of the City of Bloomington BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington City Council is aiming to tackle local issues through collaborative efforts. City Council Member and Ward 6 representative Cody Hendricks discusses the Council’s role and his respectively. Some current issues that Hendricks mentioned include those of community and economy. A main topic of discussion amongst the community lately is housing.
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