Gov. Pritzker is road-testing his State of the State and budget message.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Illinois Republican lawmakers critical of new spending in the governor’s budget
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Republican state lawmakers are critical of new spending in the governor’s proposed state budget. There’s about $3 billion in new spending in the plan, which doesn’t sit well with the GOP. They say it’s not wise as the nation faces a potential recession. State Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) adds that…… MORE
ISU Graduate Workers Union files unfair labor practice against university
By 25 News NORMAL – Attorneys for more than 400 graduate student workers at Illinois State University have filed papers with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board initiating an unfair labor practice against the university and its board of trustees. The complaint by the SEIU Local 73/ISU Graduate Workers Union alleges that the university and…… MORE
Gov. Pritzker delivers State of the State and budget address
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker is unveiling a nearly $50 billion new state budget that makes a heavy investment in early childhood education. One of the biggest components of the governor’s spending plan is called “Smart Start Illinois.” It focuses on the importance of pre-school, quality child care, early intervention and home…… MORE
ISU President Terri Goss-Kinzy resigns from leadership post
By Jake Fogal NORMAL – The president of Illinois State University, Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy, has resigned from her position. The university says the resignation was effective February 14. The Board of Trustees will meet on Friday to vote to accept Kinzy’s resignation. The meeting is scheduled for 2:00. Kinzy was selected as the 20th…… MORE
Illinois House GOP members lay out legislative priorities
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – As Gov. JB Pritzker gives his State of the State and budget message today, Illinois House Republicans do not want him to forget the state’s shortcomings. “We have an acute shortage of child care workers in many parts of our state,” said State Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Bourbonnais). “The cost of…… MORE
Miller Park Zoo mourns death of female snow leopard
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – The Miller Park Zoo on Tuesday announced the death of its oldest female snow leopard “Hima.” In a Facebook post, the zoo said animal care and veterinary staff had been monitoring and treating Hima for advanced renal decline. It is not unexpected for a senior feline to experience renal issues,…… MORE
Hyundai, Kia update security after TikTok challenge thefts
By 25 News 25 NEWS – Hyundai and Kia are rolling out software updates to stem a raft of auto thefts related to a TikTok challenge that authorities believe has led to at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities. The updates are free for millions of vehicles that are missing a key anti-theft device, an…… MORE
Republican state lawmaker questions school funding formula
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – When Illinois superintendents gathered to celebrate five years of the new school funding formula, some lawmakers wonder if it’s really something to celebrate. State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) told the superintendent from Vienna the results haven’t followed the funding. “Fourteen percent are doing math at grade level,” Wilhour said,…… MORE
Bloomington City Council approves contract with Washington lobbying firm
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council reversed course Monday night, choosing to hire a Washington lobbying firm to help secure more federal funding for the city. The council voted 6-3 for a three-year contract with Thorn Run Partners that will cost taxpayers $270,000 over the life of the contract. At the Jan. 23 council meeting,…… 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…