While adult-use cannabis has legal in Illinois since Jan. 1, some remain concerned that high prices are keeping people from moving to the legal market.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
Report says schools should stop using surprise mock shooter drills
A new report said schools were emotionally scarring students by conducting unannounced active shooter drills. … MORE
Slower job growth predicted for Illinois in 2020
Illinois can expect a year of slowing job growth, according to economic and business magazine Kiplinger’s. … MORE
Teacher union-backed poll: Teachers underpaid, should be able to retire earlier
A teachers union-sponsored poll of Illinois residents found that most think public school teachers should be paid more, receive their pensions earlier, and have the state provide more funding for public education. … MORE
Proposed amendment banning right to work zones in Illinois ‘doesn’t create jobs and investment,’ says manufacturers’ group
A state senator wants to get a question in front of voters this November that would ban local governments in Illinois from prohibiting forced unionization. The state’s leading manufacturers’ group says that policy won’t grow the economy.… MORE
Proposed amendment banning right to work zones in Illinois ‘doesn’t create jobs and investment,’ says manufacturers’ group
A state senator wants to get a question in front of voters this November that would ban local governments in Illinois from prohibiting forced unionization. The state’s leading manufacturers’ group says that policy won’t grow the economy.… MORE
Bill in Springfield would stop lawmakers from burying internal investigations into colleagues
New legislation in Springfield would keep Illinois lawmakers from shutting down investigations into their colleagues by the legislative ethics officer.… MORE
Country, alt-rock and more slated for State Fair Grand Concerts
From corn dogs to car races, an ag tent to a kids’ corner, there will be something for everyone at the Illinois State Fair, set for Aug. 13 to 23 in Springfield. And that is certainly the case when it comes to the musical line up.… MORE
Dueling opinions over what Clean Energy Jobs Act will mean for Illinois ratepayers
Illinois lawmakers could enact new legislation this spring that would put the state on a path to using 100 percent renewable energy by 2050, but just what the Clean Energy Jobs Act would mean for the state’s ratepayers remains unclear.… MORE
University of Illinois takes steps to protect students amid coronavirus concerns
School officials have taken steps to protect students on the University of Illinois campus amid concerns about the new coronavirus from China.… MORE
Blogs
Reactions to the “A Community in Conflict” exhibit
By Mike Matejka Every community has its home-town pride; Bloomington-Normal is proud to claim Steak n’ Shake and MASH TV star McLean Stevenson. We’ve also had a moment of contention and conflict. Sometimes these are uplifting stories of human progress. At other times, they cause us to shake our heads and wonder why. The McLean…
WJBC Voices: Let’s build the Normal underpass
With winter upon us, consider what it takes to catch a northbound train at Amtrak’s Normal Uptown Station.
WJBC Voices: The irreplaceable gift
Periodically, and always at unexpected times, I get real insights from my son, Kyle, who lives in the Denver area.
WJBC Voices: Let’s have a fair but thorough investigation
In our hardened political atmosphere, rising above a defensive (or offensive) reaction, is going to take great skill.