Illinois’ latest budget misses the mark in several key areas, according to one independent nonprofit fiscal analyst. … MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Under bill, state highway cameras could be used to investigate human trafficking
A bill passed in this year’s legislative session would rewrite the definition of a “forcible felony” to allow Illinois State Police to use images obtained from automatic license plate readers in cases involving human trafficking and involuntary servitude.… MORE
Lucky Illinois resident claims $1.3M Cash Castle jackpot
An Illinois Lottery FastPlay game netted one lucky person a $1.3 million jackpot, the lottery said on Friday.… MORE
Legislative leaders discuss next steps for failed transit reform push
Minutes before the clock hit midnight and the calendar flipped to June 1, the Illinois Senate advanced a much-watched legislative proposal to reform and fund public transportation in the Chicago area and prevent dire cuts to service. … MORE
Illinois ‘chicken bill’ aims to boost small poultry farms, expand access to their products
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
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
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…