By Neil Doyle NORMAL – McLean County’s largest school district is working with a local hospital to offer COVID-19 vaccines for kids ages 5-11. Unit 5 Superintendent Dr. Kristen Weikle says the district is partnering with Carle BroMenn to offer those vaccines. She spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller. “Last time I heard we had over…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ economy took a small step back during October. University of Illinois Flash index author Fred Giertz, an economics professor, presents a monthly snapshot of the state’s economic activity. The index slipped from 106.0 to 105.4 from the start of October to the start of November. Giertz sees two reasons.…… MORE
By HOI ABC NORMAL – Claiming unfair treatment and violation of their collective bargaining agreement, some Unit 5 employees are suing the district’s school board over its COVID-19 vaccine mandate. A more-than-150-page document filed with the court in Woodford County is led by six Unit 5 employees, two of whom – according to the report…… MORE
It will cost the public between $57 and $62 to buy a share of Rivian stock at its initial public offering, which could happen in the coming days, according to various media reports.… MORE
For the first time, the David Davis Mansion in Bloomington is holding “Christmas in a barn” to sell antique Christmas items.… MORE
According to a local financial advisor, oil prices are rising, leading to higher gas prices at the pump.… MORE
Miller Park Zoo is launching a new conservation project to not only protect animals but native plant species as well.… MORE
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – The election commission in Bloomington has picked a new executive director. Suzanne Fahnestock will replace Tim Mitchell who left the BEC in May of 2021. Fahnestock most recently served as the Emergency Rental Assistance Program Manager in Winnebago County. In 2018 she served as the Executive Director of the DuPage…… MORE
By HOI ABC NORMAL – It will cost the public between $57 and $62 to buy a share of Rivian stock at its initial public offering, which could happen in the coming days, according to various media reports. Rivian will trade under the symbol “RIVN” on the Nasdaq exchange, offering 135 million shares of Class…… MORE
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – A Republican primary contest is brewing between McLean County’s chief prosecutor and an associate judge to fill a judicial vacancy next year. McLean County State’s Attorney Don Knapp is sending out invitations to supporters for a formal announcement Thursday at Bloomington’s Union Park. Associate Judge Amy McFarland made her formal…… MORE
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.” …
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…
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…
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…