Should Illinois municipalities be allowed to declare bankruptcy? Experts presented conflicting views to a House committee.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Protesters urge Durbin to vote against federal GMO label restrictions
A small protest outside U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin’s Chicago office asked for him to vote against a bill which would prevent states from making the labeling of genetically modified foods mandatory.… MORE
New Illinois law protects students’ social media passwords
A controversial law that allowed schools to request students’ social media passwords pursuant to an investigation has been reversed after Gov. Bruce Rauner signed House Bill 3527.
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United Way sets lofty goal for fundraising campaign
The United Way of McLean County is aiming to increase the amount they spend in the community this year.… MORE
Lame duck bill now law
Inspired by a $160,000-a-year appointment outgoing Gov. Pat Quinn gave his campaign manager, State Sen. Julie Morrison sponsored a bill reining in lame duck appointments.… MORE
Veto override possible on police pension bill
Gov. Bruce Rauner has said he is for increased pensions for those who run toward danger while others run from it, but he vetoed a bill allowing those increased pensions because of another thing he says he’s for: more local control… MORE
Mitsubishi and UAW agree to one-month contract extension
Mitsubishi Motors has announced that its contract with United Auto Workers Local 2488 has been extended a month. … MORE
Unemployment falls in Bloomington-Normal again in July
Bloomington-Normal continues to have the lowest unemployment rate of any metro area in the state.… MORE
New hotel opens doors in Normal
Those traveling to Normal or just want to get out of the house for a night have a new option in Uptown Normal.… MORE
Hopkins spits on judge during arraignment for attempted murder charges
A man accused of stabbing two people and beating another person in downtown Bloomington earlier this month spit at a judge during his arraignment Thursday.… 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…