Two more McLean County residents have died from COVID-19, while county health officials report 35 new cases of COVID-19.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
St. Louis Cardinals fire Manager Mike Shildt over “philosophical differences”
The St. Louis Cardinals announced this afternoon that they have agreed to part ways with Manager Mike Shildt.… MORE
Bus driver shortage across the nation
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – Many school districts are looking for more bus drivers, and that includes Unit 5. Superintendent Dr. Kristen Weikle says the district’s vendor First Student has been hiring since the summer and is offering more incentives to attract new drivers. Weikle spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller. “They’ve increased their hiring bonuses…… MORE
Ferrero breaks ground on first-ever production center in United States
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – Ferrero Group has broken ground on the company’s first chocolate processing facility outside of Europe and one of only three production facilities in the world — in Bloomington. A state release says the expansion of Ferrero’s presence in Illinois will bring a $75 million investment in the region, up to…… MORE
State’s Parental Notification Act could be brought up during this month’s veto session
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – As reporters in Springfield tried to pin down Gov. Pritzker on whether he’ll try to repeal the state’s Parental Notification Act, U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) launched a passionate argument to repeal it. Abortion rights advocates believe repealing PNA would be a good response to Texas’ anti-abortion laws. As for…… MORE
OSF PromptCare offering drive-through flu shot clinics in Bloomington
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Those looking to get a flu shot can do so at a drive-through clinic in Bloomington. OSF PromptCare has scheduled two clinics, one on Monday Oct. 18, and the other on Tuesday, Nov. 2, both from 4-6 p.m. Shots will be given under the canopy at the entrance of Eastland…… MORE
Illinois farmers are closer to completing the harvest
By USDA (Weekly Progress Report) There were 4.2 days suitable for field work during the week ending October 10, 2021. Statewide, the average temperature was 68.8 degrees, 12.2 above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.88 inches, 0.21 above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 4 percent very short, 17 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 5 percent…… MORE
Beer Nuts moving salty snacks online; shuttering company store
Due to the pandemic, Beer Nuts will not reopen their company store but move the salty snacks to an online format.… MORE
Two Central Illinoisans arrested after high-speed chase in McLean County
Two people from Central Illinois face charges after a high-speed chase in McLean County a few weeks ago.… MORE
ISU celebrating 100 years of homecoming
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – Illinois State University is celebrating 100 years of homecoming with plenty of events throughout the week leading up to the football game Saturday afternoon against North Dakota State. On Saturday morning, the “Town and Gown 5K” is making its return in a hybrid format this year. Rachel Kobus is the…… 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…