Four words, “A third party, including,” in two sections of a proposed amendment to the suburban and downstate police and fire pension consolidation bill could sink the effort, but lawmakers said the plan remains a work in progress.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Illinois task force to reduce property taxes misses report deadline, all but guaranteeing no action this year
An 88-member task force missed a key deadline to deliver a report on how to reduce the state’s high property taxes, all but guaranteeing none of the group’s recommendations will be signed into law this year. … MORE
Unified Bloomington council wants no change in property tax bills
Bloomington City Manager Tim Gleason said on Tuesday he has his “marching orders” from the city council to hold the line on property taxes.… MORE
UPDATED: One dead in I-74 crash
A key route from Peoria to Bloomington was closed for several hours on Tuesday while authorities investigated a fatal crash involving two semi-trucks and a passenger car.… MORE
Jury selected in Cynthia Baker murder trial, witnesses begin testifying Wednesday
The jury trial for a woman accused of killing her boyfriend’s 8-year-old daughter began Tuesday in McLean County Court.… MORE
One person killed in crash on I-74 near Morton
A three-car crash on eastbound Interstate 74 Tuesday afternoon left one person dead.… MORE
ISP diverting traffic off I-74 after crash near Morton
A crash eastbound on Interstate 74 near Morton is causing traffic to be diverted off at exit 102, according to Illinois State Police.… MORE
McLean County farmer recognized for ag education
A farmer from McLean County has been recognized statewide for helping others learn about agriculture.… MORE
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
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…