A bill that would lift long-standing restrictions on small poultry farmers in Illinois, reducing red tape and transforming the way local farmers process and sell their products, is heading to the governor.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Two men found dead in Pontiac residence
The Pontiac Police Department is investigating after two men were found dead in a home on Thursday.… MORE
Despite victories, major higher education policy bills stall in General Assembly
Gov. JB Pritzker got some of what he requested from the General Assembly in the area of higher education, but some of his biggest requests fell short. … MORE
‘Riot’ at Mary Davis Juvenile Detention Center injures nine
Five children and four staff members were injured during what the Knox County Sheriff’s Office termed a “riot” at the Mary Davis Home Juvenile Detention Center.… MORE
Baby food safety, press freedom, public defender measures will head to governor
Gov. JB Pritzker will have hundreds of bills to review after lawmakers concluded their spring session, including measures protecting press freedoms and baby food, as well as creating a state public defender’s office.… MORE
Semi-truck crash shuts down I-39 southbound lanes in McLean County
A two-vehicle collision involving a semi on Interstate 39 has caused southbound lanes to be shuttered pending the investigation.… MORE
Galesburg announces new Police Chief after dismissal of former Chief
The city of Galesburg made the appointment of an acting police chief permanent, City Hall announced on Wednesday.… MORE
With electric prices going up, advocates tried — and failed — to reform the energy sector
Heading into the end of the legislative session, consumer advocates, renewable energy industry groups and environmental advocates were hopeful about a bill that would have overhauled Illinois’ energy industry. … MORE
Two new solar facilities could come to McLean County
On Tuesday, the McLean County Zoning Board of Appeals had hearings on two applications for commercial solar generating facilities.… MORE
Fifth person dies as a result of Chatham afterschool program crash in late April
An 8-year-old boy is the most recent casualty of a car crash at a Chatham daycare April 28.… 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…