Unit 5’s Superintendent is answering questions about the mask mandates in schools after Gov. Pritzker released the new guidance.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
MCHD reports 38 new cases of COVID-19; CDC reports county has “high community transmission”
The McLean County Health Department asks residents to follow recent CDC guidance of masking as the county is experiencing “high community transmission.”… MORE
Gov. Pritzker signs new legislation to take aim at “period poverty”
Newly signed legislation takes aim at what they call “Period Poverty” – when women cannot afford or otherwise access feminine hygiene products.… MORE
Bloomington homeless camp faces closure, but help being offered
An empty lot in Bloomington has been occupied for years, by people experiencing homelessness. But soon, they will have to leave, as the city recently approved a new restaurant to be built there. Now, some of them have an opportunity to work.… MORE
IHSA will temporarily require masks for indoor sports
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – With Gov. JB Pritzker’s announcement Wednesday mandating masks for schools, face coverings will be required for all IHSA fall sport practices and contests that are conducted indoors. According to an IHSA news release, this mask directive for indoor athletic events applies to student-athletes, coaches, officials, game personnel, and fans, regardless of…… MORE
Illinois Republicans react to governor’s school mask mandate
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Republicans reacted to Gov. JB Pritzker’s mask mandate for schools by deploying phrases such as “power trip,” “go it alone,” and “cut out a co-equal branch of government.” As for State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia), who wants to oust Pritzker: “Gov. Pritzker put his personal political agenda in front of…… MORE
Catholic Diocese of Peoria schools will follow Gov. Pritzker’s mask mandate
By Neil Doyle PEORIA – The Catholic Diocese of Peoria will comply with Gov. JB Pritzker’s executive order and require all students and staff wear a face covering for in-person learning. Last month, the diocese said parents and guardians should decide, but the Office of Catholic Schools got approval from Bishops Daniel Jenky and Louis…… MORE
Bloomington Police arrest man wanted in Virginia shooting
A Virginia man remains behind bars in McLean County on charges out of Virginia, alleging he played a role in a shooting.… MORE
Police and health professionals hold “Opioid Crisis Next Door” conference in Springfield
The scourge of opioids is not going away. … MORE
Gov. Pritzker announces new mask mandates
Gov. JB Pritzker is taking the guesswork and debate away from local school boards. He announced Wednesday afternoon public and private P-12 educational institutions will adhere to a mask mandate.… 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…