Even though Bloomington could vote on a sales tax increase as early as next week, the city’s budget task force isn’t expected to produce its recommendations for plugging a $7 million deficit until later this month.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Illinois congressman pushes funding increase for medical research
The National Institutes of Health would receive an extra $9 billion over the next five years under legislation being pushed by an Illinois congressman.… MORE
Comptroller: Bill backlog nearly $6 billion
She was a no-show at a hearing on the current fiscal year’s spending in the absence of a state budget, but the Illinois Comptroller’s letter to a state Senator highlights the growing backlog of state government bills.
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Normal approves sales tax increase
A one percent sales tax increase is a step closer to reality after the Normal Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve the measure.… MORE
Davis says he will introduce a bill to track VA claims
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) says a bi-partisan effort led by him and another Congressman is underway to provide more transparency at the Veterans Administration, and hopefully get veterans’ problems addressed a lot faster.… MORE
Rep. Bennett: Illinois is deteriorating
One state representative said Illinois is deteriorating while lawmakers continue to debate on a state budget.… MORE
NAACP recognizes Bloomington Chief Heffner
A major honor for Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner. … MORE
Second suspect pleads guilty in homeless man’s death
Another suspect in the 2014 death of a homeless man in Bloomington is admitting guilt. … MORE
Special election allows candidates to double the cap on donations
Because of the special election to replace Aaron Schock, both candidates can raise funds for both the primary and general election in 2015 and 2016, effectively doubling the cap on maximum contributions for a single fundraising period. … MORE
Race for the Cure honorary chair gives back after recovery
A local breast cancer survivor is paying it forward.… MORE
Blogs
Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all
By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …
Is federal mobilization the answer?
By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…
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…