Category Archives: WJBC's Top Stories

Bill banning dwarfism slur as mascot passes House
A bill in the House would require Freeburg Community High School to change the name of its mascot, which is considered a slur for people with dwarfism. (Photo courtesy of the Belleville News Democrat)...
Syndicated Author Apr 09, 2025

Heartland hosting emergency exercise Friday
Heartland Community College. (Photo courtesy: Heartland) NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) - Heartland Community Collage announced that it will be hosting a large-scale emergency response exercise on Friday.The exe...
Syndicated Author Apr 09, 2025

Judge rules Sonya Massey murder trial can proceed in Peoria County
A Macon County Sheriff's Office mugshot of Sean Grayson was taken on Oct. 24. Grayson, a former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy, is charged with the first-degree murder of Sonya Massey, an unarmed Bl...
Syndicated Author Apr 08, 2025

Illinois nursing homes seek Medicaid rate hike
Nursing homes in Illinois are pressing state lawmakers for an increase in their Medicaid reimbursement rates. (Credit: Shutterstock.com)By PETER HANCOCKCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinoi...
Syndicated Author Apr 08, 2025

Bloomington reversing some payments after utility bill errors
(Photo courtesy WMBD-TV)BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) - The City of Bloomington is encouraging residents to double-check their utility payments after an error on their Cycle 1 utility bills.The bills due o...
Syndicated Author Apr 08, 2025 (Photo courtesy: File)

Pritzker hopes trade mission to Mexico sparks new investment despite tariffs
Gov. JB Pritzker, left, shakes hands with Mexico state Gov. Delfina Gmez lvarez, right, after the two states signed a memorandum of understanding. (Photo provided by Gov. JB Pritzker's office)By BEN S...
Syndicated Author Apr 02, 2025

Raoul says ‘I do not want to go to Washington,’ rules out bid for U.S. Senate
Attorney General Kwame Raoul, left, answers questions from City Club of Chicago CEO Dan Gibbon during a luncheon appearance Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Credit: City Club of Chicago)By PETER HANCOCKCapito...
Syndicated Author Apr 02, 2025

Severe weather risk grows in Illinois as storm system nears
Photo courtesy: WMBD TVPEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) - The active weather pattern we've experienced throughout the month of March looks to continue into early April as another strong storm system is set to move...
Syndicated Author Apr 01, 2025

Students, women in trades advocate for more career and technical education
Argo Community High School sophomores Luciana Deir (second from left) and Angelica Turza (fourth from left), along with another student and their teacher meet with State Sen. Willie Preston, D-Chicago...
Syndicated Author Apr 01, 2025

Illinois State University students voice opinions amid strike nearing
Illinois State UniversityNORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) - Three tentative agreements were reached between the United Faculty of Illinois State University and the administration.Keith Pluymers, associate history ...
Syndicated Author Apr 01, 2025