Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories

Governor insists he tried to work with Republicans to put together state budget

Governor insists he tried to work with Republicans to put together state budget

By Dave Dahl FREEPORT – Gov. JB Pritzker insists he tries to be bipartisan – even though the votes for the budget were strictly from his party. Responding to a reporter’s question in Freeport Tuesday, the governor said he worked with Republicans to put together the state budget for the fiscal year which begins July…MORE

Bloomington police investigating weekend shooting incidents

Bloomington police investigating weekend shooting incidents

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Police Department announced Monday that they are investigating two shooting incidents. According to a Bloomington police news release, a 38-year-old woman was injured during a shooting incident near Mulberry and Oak Streets at approximately 2:11 a.m. Saturday. Officers found evidence of a shooting on the scene. The victim was…MORE

Prairie Pride Coalition in Bloomington-Normal celebrates LGBTQ+ month

Prairie Pride Coalition in Bloomington-Normal celebrates LGBTQ+ month

By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – June is Pride Month, highlighting and celebrating individuals involved within the LGBTQ+ community. In Bloomington-Normal, The Prairie Pride Coalition serves the community as well as McLean County. President of the organization, Dave Bentlin, says backing the LGBTQ+ community is one of the best ways to show support during pride month.…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…