With some states beginning to open up for business and relax restrictions put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, a new study on these efforts found Illinois’ stay-at-home order was one of the most restrictive in the nation.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Pritzker says Illinois lawmakers must wear masks for when they return to Springfield
By Illinois Radio Network SPRINGFIELD – It’s not just the 177 Illinois state legislators who would need to come back to the Illinois State Capitol to vote on legislation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawmakers would also need staff members, security and other personnel to return to conduct business. Illinois state lawmakers haven’t been in session since…… MORE
Lyons: Targeting a normal football season
The NCAA put all spring sports on hold this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but what will the fall look like?… MORE
Lawmakers weigh in on governor’s plan to reopen Illinois as challenges to executive authority persist
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s five-phased plan to reopen the state was met with mixed reactions from state lawmakers.… MORE
Pritzker announces five-phase, regional plan to reopen Illinois
Those of you who wanted a regional, phased-in approach for Illinois to return to commerce are getting that plan now.… MORE
Two more COVID-19 cases in McLean County
McLean County has added two more cases of coronavirus, the county total now 104.… MORE
Hy-Vee to limit meat purchases
Hy-Vee announced that effective Wednesday, May 6, it will limit meat purchases at all of its locations.… MORE
Essential workers only pay $1 a month for daycare during the coronavirus pandemic
Parents with essential jobs can get subsidized daycare for $1 a month – if they can find a center with an opening. … MORE
Pritzker discourages crossing state border for goods, services
As neighboring states begin to loosen restrictions for businesses while Illinois remains under a modified stay-at-home order, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he can’t stop them, although he said he would discourage the practice to limit the spread of COVID-19.… MORE
No word on when Illinois General Assembly will be back in session
There is still no word on when the Illinois General Assembly will be back in session.… 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…