Due to COVID-19, Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan are canceling commencement ceremonies.… MORE
Bloomington officials stand at the ready to enact emergency ordinance
With the first case of COVID-19 in McLean County, Bloomington officials stand at the ready to enact a local emergency ordinance at its city council meeting on Monday, March 23.… MORE
As legislature cancels more session days amid viral outbreak, deadline for Illinois lawmakers to approve ‘fair maps’ proposal approaching
The clock is ticking for Illinois lawmakers to put a proposal on the November ballot asking voters to approve a change to how legislative maps are drawn, but session days continue to be canceled amid a viral pandemic.… MORE
Over 400 out of work in Normal as Bridgestone announces temporary shutdown
Bridgestone Americas announced a temporary phased shutdown at all its manufacturing facilities in North America and Latin America Thursday.… MORE
Normal’s council considers granting special powers to mayor, city manager in COVID-19 fight
Normal Mayor Chris Koos and City Manager Pam Reece would be granted emergency decision-making powers under a proposed ordinance to be presented to the town council at a special meeting Monday night.… MORE
Illinois State Police get 19,000 background checks for gun purchases in five days
In the wake of a government-ordered shutdown of much of the economy over concerns of spreading COVID-19, residents are likely experiencing delays buying guns as stores wait for Illinois State Police to process background checks.… MORE
Illinois unemployment claims surpass 60,000 in three days
More than 60,000 Illinoisans have applied for unemployment benefits in the past three days.… MORE
Buy Local in Bloomington-Normal
In these unprecedented times, WJBC wants to remind you it is more important than ever to support our local Bloomington-Normal Businesses. We want to do our part in helping local restaurants and businesses reach customers in these difficult times. Scroll down (below the form) to see what businesses are still operating, restaurants doing delivery and…… MORE
Illinois agriculture will feel impact of crisis
The worldwide coronavirus crisis will have an impact on Illinois agriculture.… MORE
Former city manager of Normal has passed away
Dave Anderson, longtime city manager of Normal, has passed away. … 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…