Members of Illinois State University’s graduate school, as well as some faculty members, took to the quad Wednesday afternoon to protest the tax reform proposal in Washington.… MORE
WJBC Voices: We’ll pay one way or another – Recycle or Dump?
Here’s a bit of shocking news that many don’t realize – By Christmas 2018, the McLean County landfill will be closed. Maxed out. No more room for trash and debris.
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Unfounded anthrax concern closes Empire St. during morning commute
The Bloomington Fire Department reports an unfounded claim of anthrax exposure by a motorist led to the closure of Empire Street near Central Illinois Regional Airport during this morning’s rush hour.… MORE
ISU student among those arrested in Washington protest of GOP tax bill
A graduate student from Illinois State University was one of nine people arrested Tuesday in front of House Speaker Paul Ryan’s office in Washington while protesting the Republican tax bill.… MORE
Chief Judge Fitzgerald announces retirement
The chief judge of the circuit court that covers McLean County is retiring.
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Old wounds resurface at Renner’s town hall meeting
An attempt to ease tensions between Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner and one of his main adversaries failed Tuesday night at a town hall meeting that also highlighted efforts to grow the local economy and cut the budget deficit.… MORE
Brotherhood Tree ends after 49 years of serving the community
By Sean Copeland The WJBC Brotherhood Tree started its seasonal gift giving event helping just seven families in need in 1969… now reaching its 49th year serving hundreds of families in need in McLean County. However, the Brotherhood Tree event due to increases in people under the poverty line have increased demand for…… MORE
Local realtors warn high property taxes are turning away homebuyers
High property taxes are dragging down the local economy, and causing prospective homeowners to look elsewhere, according to area realtors. The Normal Town Council voted unanimously Monday night to raise property taxes to cover the cost of rising police and firefighter pensions.… MORE
Former federal prosecutor suggests Flynn plea will aid Russian meddling investigation
A former federal prosecutor and current Republican strategist says the relatively minor charges filed against former national security adviser Michael Flynn are likely a conduit for more information for investigators.… MORE
Manufacturers: Fed tax cut will be great, but Illinois must change
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis says residents hit with high property taxes and a recent state income tax hike will benefit from the tax reform making its way through Congress. … 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…