A farmer from McLean County has been recognized statewide for helping others learn about agriculture.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Bloomington City Council to honor late civil rights leader remembered as “gentle soul”
The City of Bloomington is honoring the late Merlin Kennedy with a proclamation describing him as a “true pioneer for human rights.”… MORE
Carrillo: People need safe places to legally smoke pot
A Bloomington City Council member believes people might not have safe places to legally smoke marijuana if government leaders ban consumption in areas where pot might be sold.… MORE
Illinois officials urge winter weather preparedness
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is urging residents to keep some winter safety tips in mind as winter weather has arrived throughout much of the state.… MORE
Veterans honored in downtown Bloomington
The weather did not stop community members from gathering Monday to celebrate Veterans Day inside the McLean County Museum of History.… MORE
Coroner identifies victim of fatal McLean County crash
McLean County Coroner Kathleen Yoder identified Ami Wicks, 42, of Bloomington, as the victim of a fatal crash over the weekend near Arrowsmith in Eastern McLean County.… MORE
ISP investigating death at Tazewell County Jail
A woman died Sunday after she was found unresponsive in her cell at the Tazewell County Jail, according to authorities.… MORE
Camp Butler honors Veterans at Veterans Day ceremony
Winning World War Two took more than just soldiers, and more than just men.… MORE
Bill to get Illinois teachers more MAP grant aid before certification could become political heavyweight bout
A proposal that would give teachers still in college an additional year of state aid in exchange for committing to teach in Illinois for three years is scheduled for what could be a contentious hearing. … MORE
Under fire, private equity takes to Illinois’ airwaves to boost image
With U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a presidential candidate, attacking private equity firms proposing legislation that would target their operations, the investment industry is going on the offensive with a campaign in Illinois and other states reminding Congress about the taxes it pays and the businesses it helps. … 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…