We’re getting used to working and doing other business remotely, and medical care is no exception. … MORE
Illinois State hires former Redbird for soccer head coach vacancy
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Illinois State has filled another vacant head coaching position, as Athletic Director Kyle Brennan announced the hiring of Wisconsin assistant coach Marisa Kresge to be the next soccer coach at ISU. Kresge spent one season as a Redbird in 2016, before heading north to join the coaching staff at Wisconsin.…… MORE
Gas prices skyrocket to record highs across Illinois
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Average gasoline prices in Illinois have risen almost 15.3 cents in the last week, averaging $4.98 a gallon According to GasBuddy’s survey of over 43-hundred stations in Illinois, prices in the state are 55.7 cents higher than a month ago. “Gasoline prices surged over the last week to new record…… MORE
Springfield Pridefest returns in person
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Despite some rain, Springfield’s LGBTQIA+ community – and its allies – turned out for Pridefest, the first one in person since the pandemic. Entertainment, food trucks, and booths from businesses and organizations filled the blocks just east of the Capitol Saturday. One of the organizers, Dean Mentjes, described the experience…… MORE
‘American Idol’ journey comes to an end for Normal native Leah Marlene
By Neil Doyle and HOI ABC NORMAL – The ‘American Idol’ journey for Normal native Leah Marlene has come to a close, as she finished in third place on season 20 of the show. The first round of performances consisted of songs from the songbook of Bruce Springsteen. Leah was the first performer, singing her…… MORE
WJBC VIP: Win a Round of Golf at Any of the Bloomington Golf Courses
WJBC is giving away a round of golf for two with cart to any of the Bloomington Golf Courses!… MORE
Over $23K worth of electronics, luggage stolen from Normal Walmart
Normal Police say numerous electronics and luggage were stolen from the Normal Walmart totaling a little over $23,000 from what appears to be an organized group with knowledge of Walmart practices.… MORE
O’Neil Skate Park to close for construction pool project
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts department will close O’Neil Park’s Skate Park as construction on the new pool project begins. Starting on Monday, the current skate park will be closed to allow for the removal of the skate ramps. The new and improved skate park is…… MORE
Gas stations are suing the state over a sticker
A little sticker carries a big penalty – 500 dollars per day – if gas stations don’t put them on the pump. The gas stations are now suing the state. … MORE
Bloomington Council asked to provide tax breaks to ex-alderman to rehab vacant downtown building
Former Bloomington Alderman Jamie Mathy announced Thursday that with the help of some tax breaks, he plans to double the size of his downtown business by moving into a vacant building he purchased next door, while also creating space for two more retail businesses.… 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…