Category Archives: WJBC's Top Stories

Study shows Illinois state’s teacher shortage is far from over
The teacher shortage in Illinois has been going on for years, and, the pandemic is only making it worse. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)By Dave DahlSPRINGFIELD – Help Wanted: Teachers.A study shows ...
Syndicated Author Mar 04, 2021

McLean County adds 12 new cases of coronavirus
McLean County hospitals are reporting 81% of ICU beds and 92% of total beds in use.(Facebook/Reditus Laboratories) By Neil DoyleBLOOMINGTON – McLean County’s rolling positivity rate i...
Syndicated Author Mar 04, 2021

Unit 5 Superintendent: Staff vaccination around 65%
Unit 5 is currently offering in-person learning five days a week for elementary students. (WJBC file photo) By Neil DoyleNORMAL – Many teachers and staff in Unit 5 have had the opportunity ...
Syndicated Author Mar 04, 2021

ISU graduate teaching assistants say contract talks enter ‘strike readiness’ phase
The union said ISU responded with “more poverty proposals” that would not give all TAs a raise and no break on student fees. (Photo courtesy: HOI/ABC)By Heart of Illinois ABCNORMAL –...
Syndicated Author Mar 04, 2021

Steak ‘n Shake, founded in Normal, stakes future on self-service
Steak ‘n Shake has 556 restaurants nationwide. Founder Gus Belt opened the first restaurant in 1934 on South Main Street in Normal, now the site of Monical’s Pizza near Carle BroMenn Medic...
Syndicated Author Mar 04, 2021

Another candidate for Illinois Secretary of State
State Sen. Mike Hastings (D-Frankfort), an Army veteran who played football at West Point, says the job would not be a stepping stone. (Dave Dahl/WJBC) By Dave DahlSPRINGFIELD – Assuming Il...
Syndicated Author Mar 03, 2021

Illinois to receive 83,000 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
One of the state’s COVID-19 mass vaccination sites is located in the Orr building on the Illinois State Fair Grounds. (Facebook/Illinois National Guard) By WJBC StaffSPRINGFIELD – Ill...
Syndicated Author Mar 02, 2021

Rolling positivity rate drops below 2%; McLean County adds 7 new cases of coronavirus
As for COVID-19 vaccines, 35,417 doses have been administered in McLean County. (WJBC file photo) By Neil DoyleBLOOMINGTON – McLean County’s rolling positivity rate inched down to 1.9...
Syndicated Author Mar 02, 2021

Republican lawmakers want greater accountability at LaSalle Veterans’ Home
State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) spoke during an online news conference Monday. (Dave Dahl/WJBC) By Dave DahlSPRINGFIELD – Three dozen COVID-19 deaths, and the lawmakers who represent the La...
Syndicated Author Mar 02, 2021

Police say 5 Pontiac Prison guards face felony charges for Lexington bar fight
Adam Deal, 38, Jason Dyer, 43, Adam Greenway, 29, Nicholas Page 25, and Gino Wendes, 24, all face criminal charges of aggravated battery and mob action. (WJBC file photo) By HOI ABCLEXINGTON R...
Syndicated Author Mar 02, 2021