The McLean County Health Department reports the rolling 7-day positivity rate is increasing, as county health officials report 48 new cases of COVID-19.… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Sen. Durbin: Normal competing for a new Samsung battery facility
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – Samsung is considering Normal as a location to build a new battery plant, which would be located near Rivian, according to U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL). “The delegation came in from Korea this week. I spoke to them and others did as well,” Durbin told reporters on Thursday. “This…… MORE
IDPH launches online ‘Vax Verify’ system
By WJBC Staff SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is launching a new immunization portal, Vax Verify, that will allow Illinois residents 18 years and older to check their COVID-19 vaccination record. “As more businesses, events, organizations, and others require proof of vaccination, Illinois residents will be able to confirm using Vax Verify…… MORE
Local organization distributes over 4,000 backpacks and school supplies
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – The Back 2 School Alliance held its annual backpack drive Wednesday and distributed free bags and school supplies to Unit 5 and District 87 students. The annual event provides backpacks and supplies to students who qualify for free or reduced lunches, which is around 33% of kids in Bloomington-Normal…… MORE
District 87 sees multi-million dollar deficit on shrinking tax base
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – A sagging tax base is cited as a major reason McLean County’s second largest school system is projecting a $5.3 million deficit. Like other public schools. property taxes are the largest source of revenue for District 87, which estimates taxable land values will shrink by .475% even though Superintendent Barry…… MORE
COVID vaccination or negative test will be required at Jason Isbell concert at The Corn Crib
By Neil Doyle and HOI ABC NORMAL – A singer who is performing at The Corn Crib later this month is requiring all attendees to be vaccinated or show a negative COVID-19 test. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit are scheduled to perform at the stadium on Aug. 21. Isbell made the announcement earlier this…… MORE
Heat advisory for Wednesday; Cooling centers throughout McLean County
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – The hot and humid conditions will continue Wednesday across central Illinois and a reminder there are several cooling centers throughout McLean County. The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a heat advisory from noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Heat index values could get up to 110 this afternoon. There…… MORE
Masks required to be worn starting Wednesday at McLean County Law and Justice Center
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – Another central Illinois courthouse is requiring face coverings to comply with latest COVID-19 guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The mask requirement at the McLean County Law and Justice Center takes effect Wednesday, even for people who’ve been fully vaccinated, although children younger than two-years old don’t have to…… MORE
Ecology Action Center holding a household hazardous waste collection
In a change from years past, the Ecology Action Center in McLean County is not asking for donations for household hazardous waste collection this year.… MORE
St. Louis Dairy Council working with school districts to promote dairy as students head back to school
Students are heading back to the classroom in the coming weeks, some for the first time in 18-months, and the St. Louis Dairy Council is working with school districts around the state to help promote dairy.… 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…