Category Archives: WJBC's Top Stories
Bill banning dwarfism slur as mascot passes House
A bill in the House would require Freeburg Community High School to change the name of its mascot, which is considered a slur for people with dwarfism. (Photo courtesy of the Belleville News Democrat)...
Apr 09, 2025
Heartland hosting emergency exercise Friday
Heartland Community College. (Photo courtesy: Heartland) NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) - Heartland Community Collage announced that it will be hosting a large-scale emergency response exercise on Friday.The exe...
Apr 09, 2025
Judge rules Sonya Massey murder trial can proceed in Peoria County
A Macon County Sheriff's Office mugshot of Sean Grayson was taken on Oct. 24. Grayson, a former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy, is charged with the first-degree murder of Sonya Massey, an unarmed Bl...
Apr 08, 2025
Illinois nursing homes seek Medicaid rate hike
Nursing homes in Illinois are pressing state lawmakers for an increase in their Medicaid reimbursement rates. (Credit: Shutterstock.com)By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinoi...
Apr 08, 2025
Bloomington reversing some payments after utility bill errors
(Photo courtesy WMBD-TV)BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) - The City of Bloomington is encouraging residents to double-check their utility payments after an error on their Cycle 1 utility bills.The bills due o...
Apr 08, 2025 (Photo courtesy: File)
Normal Town Council approves Connect Transit’s potential expansion
(WJBC file photo)NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) - The public transportation system that serves Bloomington and Normal could soon expand to rural McLean County areas.Connect Transit currently only operates in Blo...
Apr 08, 2025 Connect Transit. (Photo courtesy: File)
Normal Fire Department mourns loss of probationary firefighter
(Photo courtesy: Normal Fire Dept.)NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) - The Normal Fire Department has announced the death of one of their probationary firefighters.Ethan Jeffreys, 23, died Monday after a battle wit...
Apr 07, 2025
Tens of thousands of Illinoisans take to the streets to protest Trump and Musk agenda
Tens of thousands came out Saturday in downtown Chicago to rally against President Donald Trump's policies, everything from reciprocal tariffs to his immigration actions. (Photos by Sonya Dymova, Medi...
Apr 07, 2025
State Sen. Emil Jones III bribery trial set to begin 2 ½ years after indictment
State Sen. Emil Jones III speaks with reporters outside of the Illinois Senate chamber in January 2020. (Capitol News Illinois file photo)By HANNAH MEISELCapitol News Illinoishmeisel@capitolnewsillino...
Apr 07, 2025
It’s not just Chicago. Downstate public transit agencies face funding challenges
Sangamon Mass Transit District buses wait outside a bus stop in Springfield. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Campbell)By BEN SZALINSKICapitol News Illinoisbszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.comSPRI...
Apr 07, 2025
