NORMAL, Ill. - Last week marked the 3rd anniversary of COVID-19's arrival in Illinois. Since that time over four million Illinois citizens have been infected with the respiratory illness since it broke out in January of 2020 and over 36,000 have passed away due to complications with the illness. The Illinois Department of Public Health Director, Sameer Vohra, elaborated on how the pandemic impacted the health system of Illinois. "We'll […]
Photo courtesy McLean County Facebook Page NORMAL, Ill. - The United States is currently navigating a third wave of COVID-19 infections; in some areas of the country, the rates of positive cases are higher than they have ever been. The highly contagious omicron variant is spreading rapidly throughout the population. Notably, even people who are vaccinated against COVID are getting the virus. So, why does this happen? Douglas Kasper, M.D. […]
School is right around the corner for students, staff and faculty meanwhile health guidelines are being altered. The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued new guidance on entering another school year with the coronavirus. Illinois State University has since then taken the approach to update some of the face covering, vaccination and testing requirements for the university. Masks are required indoor public areas including hallways, classrooms, dining […]
Photo courtesy to the American Red Cross Facebook page NORMAL, Ill.- American Red Cross of Illinois has set up a virtual event for Heroes. Red Cross has promised various people a dedicated Zoom meeting who have been recognized for their acts of heroism, service and dedication to building a better community. More than 200 Heroes throughout this year and were selected by an independent committee to be recognized for their efforts with helping people through the pandemic. Regional Communications […]
Photo Courtesy McLean County Health Department Facebook Page. NORMAL, Ill. - The Illinois Department of Public Health is expanding vaccine eligibility and officials stress the risk of resurgence. McLean County has roughly 11% of residents fully vaccinated and has administered over 55,000 vaccines. The Public Affairs Coordinator of the McLean County Health Department, Marianne Manko explains how the Illinois National Guard assists the department. “The mass vaccination clinic that we […]
Illinois State University traces its band program back more than 90 years. Photo courtesy to BRMM Facebook page NORMAL, Ill. - The 2021 Redbird Football season is set to be one like no other. Hancock Stadium will be limited to 20% capacity, the team will play a shortened eight-game schedule, and everyone will be required to wear a mask inside the stadium. The football team isn't the only group facing […]
Photo courtesy to Jackie Gunderson Facebook page BLOOMINGTON, Ill.- Equality has been the focus of most conversations this past year, but what about equity? This is one of Bloomington Mayoral Candidate Jackie Gunderson’s top priorities. Gunderson has a background in special education, and is the director of the Penguin Project of McLean County which is a non-profit helping children and young adults with developmental disabilities have access to the performing […]
Photo courtesy to the CDC BLOOMINGTON, Ill.- The McLean County Health Department is moving into Phase 1b of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. Appointments are available, starting this week [Jan. 18,] for individuals in Phase 1a and Phase 1b to receive COVID-19 vaccination. This includes healthcare workers, individuals age 65 and older and essential frontline workers. "Eventually, everyone who wants a vaccine will be able to get one. Fulfillment of the […]
NORMAL, Ill.- Bars have been packed since Governor JB Pritzker moved McLean County to region two restrictions. A video of a packed Daddios, in Downtown Bloomington has been circulating. College-aged people are the hardest-hit age group for COVID-19 in McLean County. Student Government Association member Djimon Lewis says he continues to stay safe. Although, Lewis would love to go out and have social life he says he believes human life […]
