One red light stood against 101 green ones on the tote board in the Illinois House chamber Tuesday, when representatives voted to cancel their own cost-of-living adjustments.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Illinois Tourism Director calls Twin Cities ‘growing market’ for tourism
The Illinois Office of Tourism announced Tuesday the state’s tourism industry brought in 109.4 million visitors last year. That marked a 3.5 percent increase over 2013. … MORE
House lawmakers vote against COLA increase for themselves
The “cut lawmaker pay” bandwagon has roared out of the House and into the Senate.… MORE
New Illinois law requires background checks for student teachers
Back to school? Background check.… MORE
Bloomington presents cost-cutting ideas to task force
Bloomington city staff has presented the city’s budget task force with ideas to help plug a budget shortfall, but city manager David Hales cautions against stretching city staff any further.… MORE
Auto expert: Mitsubishi hurt by ‘destructive’ campaign, lack of US niche
An automotive expert said Mitsubishi Motors could have a tough time finding a buyer for the plant in Normal it wants to sell after announcing last week it was going to stop production later this year.… MORE
Reform panel seeks to reduce Illinois prison population
If reducing Illinois’ prison population is the goal, criminal justice reformers have no shortage of ideas on how that can be accomplished.… MORE
Bloomington City Council denies rezoning request
A proposal to rezone a property at 1314 Fell Ave. was denied by the Bloomington City Council Monday night.… MORE
Presidential hopeful Walker campaigns for LaHood in Bloomington
A Republican presidential candidate is showing his support for a fellow Republican who’s running for Illinois’ 18th Congressional District.… MORE
Illinois State prepares for uncertainty as lawmakers delay budget
Nearly a month has gone by and the state has yet to decide on a budget. … 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…