Category Archives: Local News

COVID-19 booster shots locally

COVID-19 booster shots locally

Posted on October 18, 2021

By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Health Department is offering COVID-19 booster shots for those who are eligible. Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for boosters. Those who can receive the additional shot are people 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities, and those 18 and older with an underlying health…… MORE

Illinois gas prices drop slightly over the week

Illinois gas prices drop slightly over the week

Posted on October 18, 2021

By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Gas prices in Illinois are still high, averaging $3.41 a gallon, but prices are down about three cents over the past week. According to GasBuddy, prices in the state are almost eight cents higher than a month ago and $1.25 more expensive compared to this time last year. GasBuddy price…… MORE

Bloomington-Normal housing market on the rise thanks to Rivian, Ferrero workers

Bloomington-Normal housing market on the rise thanks to Rivian, Ferrero workers

Posted on October 18, 2021

By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington-Normal’s housing market is booming, as plants like Rivian and Ferrero have sparked an influx of people to the Twin Cities from around Central Illinois. “Line workers were buying in one price range, higher ups were buying the more expensive stuff,” Real Estate Broker from Coldwell Banker Real Estate Greg…… MORE

ISU Homecoming Parade this weekend

ISU Homecoming Parade this weekend

Posted on October 15, 2021

By Neil Doyle NORMAL – The annual Illinois State University Homecoming Parade is making its return in a more traditional format this weekend. The typical parade route will be in full force with over 100 participants and plenty of candy. There is also a way to watch the parade if you can’t be there in…… 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…