A study by the University of Illinois found that about 15 percent of those working in the construction trades in Illinois are minorities or women. Construction industry leaders say that’s a problem.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
A new report says Illinois leaders could do more to reduce tobacco use in the state
A new report says Illinois leaders could do more to reduce tobacco use in the state.… MORE
First month of recreational cannabis sales hit $39 million
The governor’s office is touting the first month of recreational marijuana sales throughout Illinois.… MORE
Illinois State Rifle Association suing Illinois State Police over delays in FOID card permits
How long did it take you to get your Firearm Owners ID card?… MORE
WBRP accepting applications for small business microloan program
A local organization is offering an alternative to traditional loans to bring small businesses to Bloomington’s west side.… MORE
Illinois officials announce program to shore up elections security
Illinois election officials are taking steps to avoid hackers getting into the state voter database, as the Russians pulled off in 2016.… MORE
Illinois lawmaker files new “assault weapons” tax legislation
An Illinois lawmaker is proposing an additional 10 percent sales tax on what she calls “assault weapons” but an advocate says her novel definition of the term would mean nearly all firearms would be hit with the tax.… MORE
Illinois’ governor does not address population loss in annual speech, barely touches on massive pension debt
It’s unclear what Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s plans are to address the growing unfunded pension liabilities that a shrinking number of Illinois taxpayers are increasingly on the hook for. He barely addressed pension debt and didn’t talk about the state leading the country in population loss.… MORE
An Illinois lawmaker says more should be done to fight unwanted robocalls
An Illinois lawmaker argues more should be done to fight unwanted robocalls.
… MORE
Documents: Alleged sexual assault victim was a patient of Bloomington surgeon
In the incident involving a Bloomington surgeon currently facing criminal sexual assault charges, the disabled victim was a patient of his, according to an order of protection filed in McLean County.… 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…