Category Archives: WJBC's Top Stories

Bloomington city leaders asking for public input on new Police Chief
Current chief, Dan Donath announced his retirement last year – just a year after taking the position. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File) By Katherine Murphy BLOOMINGTON – City leaders in Blooming...
Syndicated Author Mar 05, 2021

33 new cases of coronavirus in McLean County
The county’s rolling positivity rate inched down to 2.3%. (Graphic courtesy McLean County Health Department) By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Health Department Friday r...
Syndicated Author Mar 05, 2021

Former national president of Project Linus sentenced to 30 months in prison, ordered to pay $400K in restitution
In addition, Babbitt filed false and fraudulent personal tax returns with the state of Illinois in which she failed to report the funds she stole from Project Linus. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)By Hear...
Syndicated Author Mar 05, 2021

Outside consultant to aid superintendent search in District 87
Dr. Reilly is retiring in June 2022 after more than three decades with the Bloomington district, the past 11 years as superintendent. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)By Heart of Illinois ABCBLOOMINGTON ...
Syndicated Author Mar 05, 2021

Illinois business leaders are fighting for children of color
Rockford aerospace engineer Rudy Valdez appeared at a virtual news conference hosted by the Illinois division of ReadyNation. (Dave Dahl/WJBC) By Dave DahlSPRINGFIELD – Here's another repor...
Syndicated Author Mar 04, 2021

Will travel pick back up in 2021?
Tim Davis with Direct Travel in Bloomington says the numbers should improve with the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the CDC, about 79 million vaccine doses have been administered in the...
Syndicated Author Mar 04, 2021

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 ABC NORMAL ̵...
Syndicated Author Mar 04, 2021