According to McLean County’s top health official, most new cases of COVID-19 are from unvaccinated people.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum launches new membership campaign
One of the state’s biggest tourist attractions has to rebuild its membership base. That is because the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, after a series of dramatic and controversial episodes, is no longer affiliated with the foundation which, among other things, ran the membership campaign… MORE
Local YMCA names Patrick Mainieri Chief Operating Officer
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington-Normal YMCA has named Patrick Mainieri as the organization’s first Chief Operating Officer. Mainieri is currently an assistant principal at Bloomington High School. According to a news release, he has more than 12 years of experience working with and supporting YMCA’s and 15 years in public education. “Patrick is…… MORE
Halfway through Illinois’ firearm deer season
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Halfway through Illinois’ firearm deer season, hunters are slightly ahead of last year’s pace. For Nov. 19-21, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources reports a preliminary total of 50,300 deer “harvested,” compared to 47,147 for the first weekend of 2020’s season. That difference of just over 3,000 is “not terribly…… MORE
Some Miller Park Zoo animals show signs of COVID-19
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Four snow leopards and a Sumatran Tiger at the Miller Park Zoo are showing signs of COVID-19, according to a news release Tuesday. No cat has been confirmed with the virus but staff, consulting with veterinarians, are moving forward with an abundance of caution, according to the release. The zoo…… MORE
UPDATE: Woman dies from injuries after car-pedestrian crash near ISU
By HOI ABC NORMAL – A 23-year old woman who was hit by a car in Normal Monday evening has died from her injuries. Normal Police and McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder said the woman was pronounced dead Tuesday at about 4:15 p.m. at Carle BroMenn Medical Center. Authorities say the woman was hit on…… MORE
Woman badly injured in car-pedestrian crash in Normal
A woman is hospitalized with serious injuries after she was hit by a car near the Illinois State University campus in Normal.… MORE
Local health leaders not yet sounding alarm on new COVID-19 variant
Local health leaders are not sounding the alarm just yet on the new COVID-19 variant Omicron; however, health officials are keeping a watchful eye on the new variant.… MORE
Senator Durbin: “Too soon to judge” new COVID-19 variant Omicron
Illinois’ Senior Senator says it’s still too soon to judge the new COVID-19 variant Omicron.… MORE
Rep. Davis running for another term in Congress
Removing whatever suspense remained, U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) has announced he wants to stay in Congress. He will run in the newly drawn 15th District, which includes Taylorville but not much of Springfield.… 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…