While movement skeptics wince at the aggressive language, organizer Ky Ajayi discussed why words like “demands” and “defund” are so important.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
NPD asking for help in idenfying suspect who provided concrete chunks to throw at NPD during Target looting
Normal Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a female suspect who provided chunks of concrete, which were thrown at NPD Officers and squad cars during the Target looting incident.… MORE
Apple ‘N Pork Festival cancelled
Due to potential risks posed by COVID-19, the DeWitt County Museum Association Board of Directors has canceled the 52nd Annual Apple ‘n Pork Festival.… MORE
MCHD announces 10 new COVID-19 cases; county total over 300 cases
With local health officials announcing ten new Coronavirus cases, the county total now stands at over 300 cases.… MORE
Gov. Pritzer names new IDES Director
A long wait for unemployment benefits. A long wait on the phone. At least one security breach.… MORE
Investments in Rivian continue to grow
Another investment is coming to Rivian – it is the first for 2020.… MORE
A special surprise in Springfield
A trip from Florida to Illinois to pick up a new dog included a big surprise for Regina Padgett, a social worker from Orlando. She became the five millionth visitor to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield.… MORE
House Speaker Madigan wants to remove portrait of Stephen Douglas from House floor
The “remove the statue” movement has come to Springfield. House Speaker Mike Madigan’s office says he wants to get the ball rolling to remove the portrait of Stephen Douglas from the House floor and remove the statues of Douglas and Pierre Menard from in front of the Capitol. The statement says there is no place to honor those who were involved with slavery and bigotry. … MORE
Rep. Davis: “I know schools are going to do the best they can” when reopening
While Coronavirus cases continuing to rise, President Trump is threatening to pull federal funding for school if they don’t open in the fall; however one local lawmaker says it should be up to the schools to make the decision.… MORE
As Redbirds Return this fall, campus will look different
Aspects of the student experience, both academic and social, will change, and Dietz says he has trust in ISU students to act responsibly.… MORE
Blogs
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…
Everyone counts and you could make the difference
By Mike Matejka How many federal dollars will there be for road repairs? To feed hungry families? How many Illinois representatives will there be in Congress? Are Illinois communities going to get their fair share? There’s only one way to ensure our community gets treated properly – answer the census. The every ten year U.S. census,…
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…