City steering virus fines to help families during holidays

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (AP) - A central Illinois city will give nearly $5,000 in coronavirus fines to a school district to help needy students and families.

"What better way to help this community than to find a way to help people who need it the most versus having the funds be absorbed by the city,'ť Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner said Tuesday.

Bloomington District 87 tries to help families who might not be able to buy gifts and those who can't afford food, rent or utilities, The Pantagraph reported.

Superintendent Barry Reilly said the district will be able to help 50 or more families with the city's contribution.

At least nine bars and restaurants have been fined $4,800 for violating rules about masks and indoor dining.

'œCity government shouldn't benefit or profit from this crisis, and I think this is a great way to balance our responsibility to protect public health with supporting local residents and the local economy," said Mayor Pro Tem Mboka Mwilambwe.