Democrats in the U.S. Senate have enough votes to uphold a preserve the Iran nuclear deal, but U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) is aiming for a higher goal.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Coliseum takes operating loss during first quarter
The U.S. Cellular Coliseum operated at a loss during the first quarter of the 2016 fiscal year.… MORE
Barickman: Child care cut creates dilemma for families
By Eric Stock BLOOMINGTON – State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) said the Rauner administration’s attempt to limit who is eligible for state-subsidized child care will create some tough choices for low-income families. Barickman told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin some families might decide to quit their jobs because they can’t afford the cost of day care, but…… MORE
Illinois House overrides heroin bill veto
What was touted as landmark, comprehensive legislation to attack Illinois’ heroin problem has survived a governor’s veto, so far.… MORE
Moment of silence on Illinois House floor for ‘GI Joe’
Members of the Illinois House are asking for continued thoughts and prayers for all impacted by the slaying of a law enforcement officer in Fox Lake on Tuesday.… MORE
Arbitration veto override fails by 3 votes
Depending on whom you ask, a bill to allow binding arbitration in public-sector labor negotiations either encourages compromise or short-circuits Gov. Bruce Rauner.… MORE
Heartland Head Start feeling effect of budget impasse
Bloomington’s Heartland Head Start, which provides childcare assistance to local families, has been feeling the ripple effects of not having a state budget.… MORE
State lawmakers look to change qualifications for child care aid
Lawmakers are proposing a change to the qualifications for state child care assistance, while at the same time eliminating cuts to that program.… MORE
Illinois State unveils commemorative patch to honor plane crash victims
Illinois State University is making sure the seven people who died in a plane crash in Bloomington in April aren’t forgotten.… MORE
Caregivers hold class in Illinois Capitol rotunda ahead of arbitration vote
The Service Employees International Union used the State Capitol Rotunda to hold a class they say Governor Bruce Rauner is trying to cut.… 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…